Know the Facts: Top Winter Health & Safety Hazards

COVID-19

To keep yourself and others safe, continue practicing COVID-19 precautions by wearing a mask, social distancing & washing your hands.

Cold Exposure

Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is a dangerous condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Symptoms in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Seek immediate medical attention if a person’s temperature is below 95° F.¹

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Symptoms in adults include reduced blood flow to hands and feet, numbness, tingling or stinging, aching, and bluish skin. If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical attention.²

Slippery conditions lead to falls & car accidents

Many injuries related to cold weather happen from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt, another chemical de-icing compound or sand.³

Each year, there are approximately 1.2 million vehicle crashes due to adverse weather or on slick pavement.⁵ If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late. Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave. Always carry extra warm clothing and blankets with you.³

Space Heater Mishaps

Approximately 21,800 residential fires are caused by space heaters each year, and 300 people die in these fires. An estimated 6,000 persons receive hospital emergency room care for burn injuries associated with contacting hot surfaces of space heaters, mostly in non-fire situations.⁴ Don’t use a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire and never cover your space heater.⁴

Cold, Flu & Sickness

Protect yourself & others from feeling under the weather

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay away from people who are sick
• Stay at home if you are sick
• Avoid close contact with others
• Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects⁶