Seven steps to cold weather safety

   Website
   https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201101-en.aspx
   Government of Canada
   [[Content::Make sure you're ready for cold weather!

BEFORE

• Listen to the weather forecast
  • Check the weather forecast before going out.
  • Listen for a wind chill warning.
  • Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected.

• Plan ahead
  • Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it's very cold, or when the wind chill is significant.
    • For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.

DURING

• Dress warmly
  • Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.
  • When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible.
    • Your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.
  • When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves.
  • Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.
  • Wear warm and waterproof footwear.

• Seek shelter
  • When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

• Stay dry
  • Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
  • Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

• Keep active
  • Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

• Be aware
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (see below).
  • Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy.
    • They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
  • The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.

Hypothermia

Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature. Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness. Cardiac arrest may occur

• What to do:
  • Get medical attention immediately.
  • Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
  • Get the person indoors.
  • Gently remove wet clothing.
  • Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.

Frostbite

A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen. Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch. No sensation - the area is numb or tingling.

• What to do:
  • Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation.
  • Get medical help!
  • Do not rub or massage the area.
  • Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
  • Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C).
  • Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.

Note: Use the translation feature of your browser]]

   Cold wave
   During
   English

View all Crisis Communication

Created: 22 September 2023
Last edited: 23 October 2023

Type:

Website

Publishing Organisation:

Government of Canada

Languages

• English

Scenarios

• Cold wave

Disaster Management Phase

During

Make sure you're ready for cold weather!

BEFORE

• Listen to the weather forecast
  • Check the weather forecast before going out.
  • Listen for a wind chill warning.
  • Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected.

• Plan ahead
  • Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it's very cold, or when the wind chill is significant.
    • For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.

DURING

• Dress warmly
  • Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.
  • When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible.
    • Your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.
  • When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves.
  • Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.
  • Wear warm and waterproof footwear.

• Seek shelter
  • When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

• Stay dry
  • Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
  • Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

• Keep active
  • Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

• Be aware
  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (see below).
  • Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy.
    • They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
  • The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.

Hypothermia

Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature. Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness. Cardiac arrest may occur

• What to do:
  • Get medical attention immediately.
  • Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
  • Get the person indoors.
  • Gently remove wet clothing.
  • Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.

Frostbite

A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen. Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch. No sensation - the area is numb or tingling.

• What to do:
  • Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation.
  • Get medical help!
  • Do not rub or massage the area.
  • Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
  • Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C).
  • Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.

Note:

Use the translation feature of your browser

Source

https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201101-en.aspx