COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
ALL OF A SUDDEN…..

Driving in the winter
means snow, sleet,
and ice that can lead
to slower traffic,
hazardous road
conditions, hot
tempers and
unforeseen dangers.
The winter season is upon
us, which may mean
snow, ice, sleet, rain and
freezing temperatures.
This time of year, it’s nice
to see snow blanketing
the streets, trees and
rivers, but it can also be
dangerous if you’re not
careful.
YOUR CAR
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:
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Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
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Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
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Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
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Inspecting the distributor.
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Checking the battery.
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Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
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Checking antifreeze level and the freeze line.
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Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for
the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker
starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.
FIGHT OFF THE COLD…
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WORKERS BE SURE
TO DRESS PROPERLY
LAYERS OF WARM
CLOTHING
WATERPROOF COATS
OR OUTERWEAR
HAT & GLOVES
FROSTBITE
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SKIN FEELS COLD &
NUMB
SURFACE OF SKIN
HAS A WAXY LOOK
SKIN IS STIFF TO
THE TOUCH
LARGE BLISTERS MAY
APPEAR AFTER
REWARMING
HEALING……
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GET OUT OF THE COLD & INTO A WARM PLACE
PRONTO
REMOVE ALL CONTRUCTIVE CLOTHING OR
JEWELRY ITEMS THAT COULD IMPAIR
CIRCULATION
PLACE DRY STERILE GAUZE BETWEEN FINGERS
& TOES TO ABSORB MOISTURE & KEEP THEM
FROM STICKING TOGETHER
SLIGHTLY ELEVATE AFFECTED AREAS TO
REDUCE PAIN & SWELLING
HOW COLD IS TOO COLD???

….WHEN THE BODY
IS UNABLE TO WARM
ITSELF. WHEN THAT
OCCURS, COLDRELATED STRESS
MAY RESULT WHICH
IS JUST AS
DANGEROUS AS
HEAT STRESS
COLD STRESS

A COLD ENVIRONMENT
FORCES THE BODY TO WORK
HARDER TO MAINTAIN ITS
CORE TEMP. THE BODIES
ENERGY IS USED TO KEEP
THE INTERNAL TEMP WARM.
THUS BLOOD WILL SHIFT
FROM EXTREMITIES SUCH AS
HANDS , FEET, LEGS & ARMS
TO THE CORE OF THE BODY:
CHEST & ABDOMEN. THUS
ALLOWING EXPOSED AREAS
TO COOL RAPIDLY &
INCREASES RISK OF
FROSTBITE & HYPOTHERMIA.
AGE & THE COLD…..
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ANYONE IS AT RISK
THE OLDER YOU ARE THE
MORE AT RISK YOU WILL
BECOME
OLDER PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE
TO GENERATE HEAT AS
QUICKLY & CERTAIN
MEDICATIONS MAY PREVENT
THE BODY FROM
GENERATING HEAT
NORMALLY.
WEAR A HAT, 40% OF THE
BODY’S HEAT IS LOST THRU
EXPOSED HEADS.
PREVENTION…..
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DRINK PLENTY OF LIQUIDS
AVOID CAFFEINE & ALCOHOL
SCHEDULE HEAVY WORK
DURING THE WARMER PARTS
OF THE DAY
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS &
WORK IN PAIRS
AVOID FATIGUE, ENERGY IS
NEEDED TO KEEP WARM
EAT WARM HIGH CALORIE
MEALS LIKE PASTA TO
MAINTAIN ENERGY
RESERVES.
TRAVEL TIME…..

From Thanksgiving
through New Year’s,
ensure that everyone
takes every step
necessary to avoid
mishaps. Because this is
a period commonly used
for winter leave and
vacation, more people
will be on the road to visit
family and friends for the
holidays.
“WEATHER”
No matter what the
temperature, weather
affects road and driving
conditions and can pose
serious problems. It is
important to listen to
forecasts on radio, TV,
cable weather channel, or
forecasts in the daily
papers.
IF YOU BECOME STRANDED….
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Do not leave your car unless you know
exactly where you are, how far it is to
possible help, and are certain you will
improve your situation.
To attract attention, light two flares and
place one at each end of the car a safe
distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth
from your antenna.
If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not
blocked, run the engine and heater for
about 10 minutes every hour or so
depending upon the amount of gas in the
tank.
To protect yourself from frostbite and
hypothermia use the woolen items and
blankets to keep warm.
Keep at least one window open slightly.
Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
Eat hard candy to keep your mouth moist.
DRIVING IN SNOW & ICE…
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If you don't have to drive--don't! But if you must, drive
defensively and smart.
Before beginning your trip, know the current road
conditions. Call 1-800-367-ROAD or visit your state’s
Department of Transportation website.
Be alert for potential driving hazards including downed
branches, trees, electric lines and icy areas, such as shady
spots and bridges.
Leave a few minutes early to allow extra time to get to your
destination.
Slow down. Triple the usual distance between your car and
the one ahead.
Stay in the plowed lane; avoid driving over the ridges
between the plowed areas. If you must switch lanes, slow
down, signal and move over slowly.
Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely
necessary.
DEHYDRATION
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Cause - loss of body moisture
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Signs/symptoms
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Dry air.
Cold diuresis.
Not enough fluid intake.
Dry lips and mouth.
Dark yellow or orange urine.
Fatigue.
Treatment/prevention
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Drink frequently.
1/2 –1 qt per hour during
heavy work load.
Timed drinking.
Don’t use alcohol or tobacco.
DRIVING IN SNOW & ICE …II
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Don't park along the street. Snowplow drivers can't fully
clear a road if cars are in their way.
If you skid, steer into the skid. If the back of your car is
skidding to the left, for example, turn the steering wheel to
the left.
Don't pump your brakes, and avoid locking them up. If your
brakes lock, take your foot off the brake pedal for a
moment.
If you're involved in a fender-bender, move the cars out of
the lanes of travel.
Keep an emergency winter driving kit with a blanket and
flashlight in the car.
While driving, keep your headlights on. Keep snow and ice
off your mirrors, windows and lights.
As always, wear your seatbelts.
If your car has an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and you
must brake, be sure to press the brake pedal and hold.
Principles of Care Need to
maintain body heat
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Frequent sock changes
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In WW1, the Brits
decreased trench foot
cases from 29,000 in
1915 to 443 in 1917 by
sock changes.
Cover head and neck,
80% of heat loss.
Use synthetic fibers,
natural fibers retain
moisture and have
poor wicking ability.
DRESSING FOR THE C.O.L.D.
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Keep Clothing
Clean
Avoid
Overheating
Wear Clothing in
Layers
Keep Clothing
Dry
Dirt and grease block up the air spaces in your clothing and reduce the insulation
value.

Sweat can freeze on outer layers. Stay dry, moisture will decrease the insulating
ability of your clothing.

Loose clothing allows air spaces to help trap warm air without restricting blood
circulation. Good blood circulation helps to prevent frostbite.
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You’ve got to keep your clothing dry, from the outside as well as from the inside.
Results of Cold Weather Injuries

Napoleon and Hitler
both lost Russia due to
Cold Weather Injuries.
In the Korean War
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8,000 cold weather
casualties the first
winter
SUSTAINING PERFORMANCE
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Limit Exposure
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Many tasks can be divided into shorter segments to
allow re-warming breaks:
For tasks requiring work without gloves, brief rewarming periods in a heated shelter or even time
spent with the gloves replaced may maintain
sufficient manual dexterity that the task can be
completed.
It may be necessary to complete the task using a
two-team approach, where one team works while the
other re-warms.
Work should be planned to avoid extended periods of
inactivity while scouts are in the cold.
IN CLOSING……
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WINTER DAYS ARE
SHORTER & DARKER,
WEAR HIGH VISIBILTY
CAPS & COATS & VESTS.
KEEP A CHANGE OF DRY
CLOTHING AVAILABLE.
WEAR AT LEAST 3
LAYERS W/OUTER A
WIND & RAIN
PROTECTION LAYER.