By Cristina Turcato

Every year, extreme cold weather affects millions of individuals and families across the U.S. Along with extreme temperatures, winter can bring frostbite, hypothermia and severe storms. During this season, it is important to take care of yourself and your family by following these safety tips, which cover winter shoveling and snowblower safety, as well as ways to stay warm in freezing temperatures.

One way to stay safe in winter is to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia can occur at temperatures as high as 40°F, and a person can experience a dangerous drop in body heat when their temperature falls below 95°F. Frostbite can develop at temperatures below 32°F and affects exposed skin. Dressing in layers is one important prevention tip and is essential to staying warm. Avoid cotton clothing; instead, choose wool or polyester, which helps manage moisture and keep sweat away from the body. Additionally, wearing hats that cover the ears, along with scarves or face masks and mittens, can help protect against the cold.

Another important prevention step is maintaining a safe home environment. Check the temperature in your home and make sure it stays at an optimal level of around 70°F. To prevent slips and falls, it is also important to salt driveways, garage entryways, sidewalks and roads. This helps prevent vehicle tires from sliding and reduces the risk of people slipping on black ice, which is often not noticeable at first glance.

For snow shoveling and snowblower safety, there are important tips and precautions to keep in mind. When shoveling snow, individuals should wear waterproof gloves and consider using an ergonomic shovel for better grip and comfort. Proper technique is also important, such as slightly bending the knees, lifting with your legs instead of your back, and shoveling early and often. For snowblower safety, always read the safety manual before use and inspect the area for debris such as toys, rocks, or doormats. Never use your hands to clear a jam, even if the machine appears to be off. Instead, make sure the machine is completely powered off and use a tool such as a stick or broom to clear clogs.

If someone is experiencing signs of hypothermia or frostbite, act immediately. Get out of the cold, remove any wet clothing, and seek help by using the Red Cross First Aid app. In general, it is important to listen to your body. If you feel lightheaded, overly fatigued, or unwell, stop what you are doing and seek help right away.