Safety and Injury Prevention

Cold Weather Safety

In our Canadian winter, temperatures can drop dangerously low. At these temperatures, exposed skin can freeze within minutes and hypothermia is a real danger. Here are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of cold-related injury:

• Be prepared! Check the weather ahead of time and plan for staying warm.
• Dress in layers and bring extra clothing.
• If driving, make sure you have a winter emergency kit which contains such things as candles and a blanket. Also, bring along a cell phone.
• Do not drink alcohol. Although alcohol seems to have a warming effect, it actually reduces body temperature because it causes the blood vessels near the body's surface to dilate, giving off instead of preserving body heat.
• Keep a close eye on toddlers to ensure they do not sneak outside. Every year in Alberta, there are several instances where toddlers leave their home unnoticed without a jacket and quickly succumb to hypothermia.
• Always wear a hat. There is a reason your mother told you this - the majority of body heat loss takes place through your head.
• Limit your time in cold environments
• Bring along some high-caloric snacks such as energy bars - your body needs energy to keep you warm.

The following websites have additional information on preventing cold weather injuries:

Note: This information is not a substitute for medical advice given by a physician. Please discuss the information presented on this website with your physician.