121318 – Winter Break: Cold Weather Safety and Precautions
December 13, 2018
Winter weather presents hazards including slippery roads and surfaces, strong winds and environmental cold. Winter storms can bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Major cities can be paralyzed by snow and ice. Keeping warm and healthy requires extra precautions, and people can be injured in accidents related to slippery roads. Even in mild climates, wind and rain can produce cold-related injuries in temperatures as warm as 50°F. Learn more about cold weather safety.
- Watch for hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or when a person is exposed to or immersed in cold water.
- Watch for frostbite. Frostbite can be a side effect of hypothermia, or it can occur on its own when patches of skin (typically on the face, hands, and feet) and the tissue beneath the skin get extremely cold and begin to freeze.
- Swimming, diving, or falling in cold water can become life-threatening in minutes.
- Drinking alcohol does not keep you warm. It raises the blood to the skin surface making you lose heat quicker.
- Alcohol and drugs impair your senses and your judgement, may cause you to get injured in slippery roads or outdoor activities, and decrease your ability to make good decisions around your safety and security.
Prior to travel
- Check the weather before you travel.
- Follow the airline and airports you will travel with on social media.
- Have the appropriate gear for cold weather. Make sure it does not restrict your movement or block your eyesight.
At your destination
- Have safety equipment and gear that will keep you warm and dry when engaging in outdoor activities.
- Wear warm clothing in layers.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunglasses.
- Know where the nearest hospital is from your location, and where to call for assistance.
- Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warmer.
- Drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature.
- Try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather. If you decide go outdoors make trips outside brief.
Sources:
- CDC Travel to Cold Climates.
- CDC Hypothermia and Frostbite.
- National Center for Cold Water Safety. What is cold water?
This post provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this post may change without prior notice.
Wishing you safe travels!
