Cold Weather Travel

Cold weather environments can present serious risks to health and safety. This post provides recommendations for mitigating risks when traveling to cold climates.  

Important UTD guidelines for International travel  

• Obtain appropriate travel authorization before departure.  
• Register your trip with On Call International. 
• Call On Call 24/7 at +1 (978) 651-9722 to get travel or emergency assistance while on a UTD authorized activity abroad. Identify yourself as a UT Dallas employee or student.  

 Before Your Trip 

• Assess your destination risks – Taking the time to understand and mitigate risks at your destination will enhance your safety 
• Understand your destination weather conditions – Learn more about average temperatures, potential weather extremes, and environmental conditions at your destination. Weather forecasts should be checked regularly leading up to the trip. 
• Understand cold weather risks, such as severe cold exposure risks like frostbite or hypothermia and usual cold weather illnesses more easily transmitted due to spending time in crowded spaces such as the flu, covid, colds and others. Monitor as well for any outbreaks that may be occurring in the region. 
• Pack for the weather: Pack layers of clothing, focusing on lightweight, moisture-wicking materials for inner layers, and wind-resistant, waterproof outer layers.  
• Create a plan to manage medical emergencies abroad, that includes informing your doctors about your upcoming trip, getting a general checkup and discussing any health concerns related to your trip, including managing conditions, vaccinations, and medications while abroad. 
• Create an emergency communications plan to help you manage emergencies while abroad. 
• Obtain UTD travel authorization before departure and register your trip. 
• Review your insurance benefits abroad – UTD travelers can learn more at the Know Your Insurance webpage. 
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program to get alerts for your destination. 
• Use the U.S. Department of State’s Country Sheet for your destination to find local sources of alerts and warnings and subscribe to them. 

During Your Trip 

• Accessing Emergency Services – Find out where to access emergency medical services and keep the local emergency services contact information handy.  
• Emergency and Travel Assistance – UTD travelers can call On Call International 24/7: +1 (978) 651-9722 for assistance while abroad on a UTD authorized activity. 
• Dress Appropriately – Choose to wear multiple layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating middle layer and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. 
• Prevent Slips and Falls – Slipping on icy streets and falling is a common risk in cold conditions. Wear appropriate footwear with good traction, and be mindful of icy patches, especially on sidewalks, stairs, and other frequently used paths. 
• Consider masking up with high quality masks, such as N95, if you are sick, others are sick around you, or you will be for long periods in a crowded environment. Wash or disinfect your hands frequently. 
• Monitor for Cold Weather Injuries – Check for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite and don’t delay seeking medical care. 
• Monitor Conditions – Remove clothing layers when necessary to avoid sweating, which increases the risk of hypothermia. Conversely, if you’re stationary for extended periods, add layers to stay warm. 
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished – Dehydration can occur in cold weather just as easily as in warm weather. Be sure to drink warm (not hot) non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and to aid in maintaining body temperature. Consume energy-rich snacks (nuts, granola bars) to maintain body energy and warmth, especially during extended outdoor activities. 

After Your Trip 

• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctors to address any health issues that came up during or after your trip. 
• Make any necessary updates to your medical emergency plan based on your experiences or changes in your health or insurance. 

Source and Resources 

1. CDC – Guidance on health risks, vaccination recommendations, and preventive measures for travelers. It aims to help individuals stay healthy while traveling internationally.  
2. CDC Prevent Hypothermia – This resource provides essential information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, understanding who is most at risk, and taking the necessary steps to prevent and respond to this dangerous condition in cold environments. 
3. CDC Prevent Frostbite – This resource provides key information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of frostbite, understanding who is most at risk, and taking preventive measures to stay safe in extreme cold. 
4. Ready.Gov – This resource provides essential tips on staying safe during winter storms, understanding key weather terms, and preparing your home, car, and family for extreme cold, snow, and ice. 
5. International Risk and Safety website   

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