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For those attending outdoor events related to the Inauguration and the pre-Inaugural festivities scheduled throughout the weekend in the Baltimore and surrounding areas, you can expect frigid temperatures and even more serious wind-chill conditions. The Harford County Health Department reminds you to protect your health and safety as well as that of your friends and loved ones by exercising extra caution and by practicing effective methods to stay warm and avoid potentially serious cold weather illness or injury. Individuals who are exposed to cold weather for prolonged time periods may develop hypothermia, or low body temperature, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Those at increased risk for developing hypothermia include young children and the elderly. Because of this increased risk, the Health Department is advising that parents not bring children under age 6 to any event requiring prolonged exposure to the cold. Likewise, individuals over age 65 are cautioned to consider staying at home. Signs of hypothermia that require prompt medical assistance include sleepiness, confusion, or slurred speech; difficulty walking; uncontrollable shivering; and cold, pale skin. Another serious cold injury is frostbite. Signs include numbness, pain or change in color of the nose, ears, face, or extremities. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek shelter immediately. General Guidelines: - Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changing conditions. Layers can be established using the following layering principles:
- Base Layer: Should be comprised of a moisture wicking fabric to keep your skin dry.
- Insulating Layer: Fleece or wool, vest or shirt that can be added or removed depending on how cold you feel
- Windproof and Water-Resistant outer Layer: A jacket, preferably with a hood to keep out elements.
- Ovoid overdressing which may cause you to overheat, sweating in cold weather will prevent you from staying warm and can be dangerous.
- Wear mittens, they provide more warmth than gloves.
- Wear a hat, since most heat is lost through your head. If you plan on being in very cold weather for an extended period of time you may also want to wear additional warm headgear such as a ski mask, which covers your face.
- Wear a scarf or turtleneck to ensure that your neck is covered.
- Wear under socks. Socks should be layered as well, starting off with a sock made of a moisture wicking fabric and following with a pair of thick wool socks.
- Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to prevent hypothermia.
- If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, try to take breaks by going indoors or into a warm vehicle.
- Stay hydrated. Drink warm beverages, preferably that are non-caffeinated.
- If you happen to get wet or have been sweating, get out of wet clothes immediately and try to warm your body from the core with a warm drink or soup.
- Recognize frostbite warning signs: grey, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. If you have any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately.
Guidelines Specific to Children: - Infants and children should be dressed several layers as well. These layers should consist of thermal long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, mittens and a hat.
- Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infants sleeping environment. Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers is preferred.
- If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your babys chest, so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by bedding.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia. As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.
- If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.
- According the American Academy of Pediatrics, the rule of thumb for dressing older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
Guidelines for Outdoor Workers: - Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help coworkers who may develop these symptoms.
- Again, dress in layers and wear clothing that is appropriate for cold, wet or windy and be sure that the layers are ones that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
- Workers in extreme conditions must be sure to take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
- Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
- Avoid exhaustion or fatigue as energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
- Drink warm beverages, but try to avoid those with caffeine.
Additional Considerations for Older Persons: Older people also are at risk for hypothermia because their body's response to cold can be diminished by certain illnesses such as diabetes and some medicines, including over-the-counter cold remedies. Also, older adults may be less active and generate less body heat. As a result, they can develop hypothermia even after exposure to relatively mild cold weather or a small drop in temperature. - Follow all recommendations above, and . . .
- Check with your doctor to see if any medications (either prescription or over the counter) you are taking may increase your risk for hypothermia.
Additional Resources For more information concerning cold weather illness and how to prevent it, contact:
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