Stay safe when outdoors.

Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low.

• If possible, avoid being outside in the coldest part of the day, or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.
• Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
• Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.

Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

To learn more about signals of and how to care for cold- or heat-related problems, take a Community First Aid and Safety course from your local Red Cross chapter.