St. Cloud State University

Winter Survival

There are many steps that you can take to prevent many of the dangers associated with the long Minnesota winter. Knowledge about prevention/harm reduction is the KEY. The "BUZZ" will focus on various winter terminology and also prevention/reduction strategies to minimize problems.

Contents

1. Frostbite
2. Hypothermia
3. Windchill
4. What to do Before a Winter Storm
5. Winter Survival Kit for Vehicles
6. Winter Driving Tips
7. Safer Snow Shoveling
8. Winter Survival Tips
9. Winter Facts
   

Frostbite

What is Frostbite?

Freezing of the skin and/or the bidily tissue under the skin. It can cause damage to the blood vessels and result in blood clotting and lack of oxygen to the affected area. It most commnly occors in hands, feet, ears, nose and face.

Signs and Symptoms of Frostbite

• Include pain, numbness , tyingling, or prickly sensations in the affected area.
• Hard, stiff, glossy or rubbery skin.
• Cold, pale, white or blue-gray skin.
• Blisters or sores.

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Hypothermia

What is Hypothermia?

It is a fall in body temperature to below 95 . It can affect all major organ systems including decreased blood flow through the kidnes and brain.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia?

• Poor muscle coordination
• Mental confustion/poor judgement
• Shivering and low body temperature
• Slow pulse
• Weakness, drowsiness
• Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin
• Trunk of body is cold to the touch.

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Wind Chill

Wind Chill Chart from the National Weather Service

Winter temperatures can be deceiving. Thermometers measure only the cold. Don't forget that the effects on your body are compounded by the wind. The combined effect of winter cold and the wind speed is called wind chill.

The dangerous effects of wind chill rise as the temperature drops and the wind increases. Heat is carried away faster from the skin, driving down the body temperature. This can lead to frostbite or hypothermia or extremely low body temperature.

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What to do before winter storm conditions

1. Know the terms used to forecast winter weather conditions:
   
   • A "winter weather advisory" is issued when winter weather conditions, such as cold, ice, and snow, are expectd to hinder travel, cause significant inconveniences or create other types of hazardous conditions.
   • A "winter storm watch" means that severe weather is possible.
   • A "winter storm warning" means that a heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain are expected.
   • A "blizzard warning" mean that heavy snow, winds and dangerously low temperatures are expected. A blizzard can cause severe weather conditions such as zero visibility and life threatening wind chill.
   • Freezing rain is forecast when expected rain is likely to freeze as it strikes the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
   • Sleet is rain drop that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet causes roads to freeze and become slippery.
2. Be prepared:
   
   • Keep a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio in working order; stock extra batteries.
   • Store food that can be prepared without an electric or gas stove.
   • Stock emergency water and cooking supplies.
   • Store rock salt to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to temporarily generate traction.
   • Have flashlights, battery powered lamps and extra batteries in case of a power outage. Candles and matches are a fire hazard.
3. Be prepared for the possibility of isolation in your home.
   
   • Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel, regular fuel sources may be cut off.
   • Have available some type of emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace or wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room or your house warm enough to be liveable. If your furnace is controlled by a thermostat and your electricity is cut off by a storm, you will need emergency heat.
   • Kerosene heaters are another option. However, check with you local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. With any combustion appliance, carbon monoxide fumes could be a danger. Additionally, heaters should be placed at least 36" inches from combustible materials.
   • If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.
   • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them and know fire prevention rules.
4. Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply.
   
   • Insulate walls and attics.
   • Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
   • Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

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Winter Storm Survival Kit for Vehicles

Keep the following items in your car during the winter. Make sure you do not leave without them:

• blankets/sleeping bags
• high-calorie, non-perishable food
• flashlight with extra batteries
• first aid kit
• knife
• extra clothing to keep dry
• a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water;
• sack of sand (or cat litter)
• shovel
• windshield scraper and brush
• tool kit
• tow rope
• booster cables
• water container
• compass
• road maps
  

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Winter Driving Tips

1. If you must travel, take public transportation whenever possible. If you must use a car, take winter driving seriously, travel by daylight and keep others informed of your schedule. Drive with extreme caution; never try to save time by driving fast or using back-road shortcuts.
2. Keep your car "winterized". Carry a "winter car kit" that includes a windshield scraper, flashlight, tow chain or rope, shovel, tire chains, a blanket, a bag of sand or salt, a fluorescent distress flag and an emergency flare. Keep extra mittens, hats and outerwear in the car.
3. If a blizzard traps you in your car:
   • Pull off of the highway; stay calm and remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
   • Turn on your emergency flashers and hang a cloth or distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
   • Do not set out to walk on foot unless you can see a building close to where you are and you are certain that you can seek shelter there. Be careful; distances can be distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk in deep snow.
   • If you run the engine of your car to keep warm, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide (CO)poisoning. Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe and only run the engine of your vehicle periodically to conserve fuel and reduce the possibility of CO poisoning.
   • Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat as a blanket.
   • Never let everyone in the car sleep at one time. One person should look out for rescue crews.
   • Be careful not to use up battery power. Balance electrical energy needs the use of lights, heat and-radio with supply.
   • At night, turn on the inside dome light, so work crews can spot you.

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Quick Tips for Safer Snow-Shoveling

Holiday carolers may be singing, "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," but anyone who's responsible for shoveling their winter wonderland may be more apt to groan in anticipation of pulling out the shovels this year.

Shoveling snow can be more than just a pain in the neck, however; it can be the source of a variety of injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

"Shoveling is a rigorous aerobic activity that places great physical demands on the body," says Dr. Garth Russell, an orthopaedic surgeon in Columbia, Mo.

To help shovelers reduce their injury risk, the AAOS issued several snow-safety guidelines:

• Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily packed or partially melted snow. Before you begin shoveling, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
• Push the snow instead of lifting it. Keep the shovel close to your body. Space your hands on the shovel. It increases your leverage.
• If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine.

  
  Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel an inch or two, then take another inch off. Rest, and repeat if necessary.

• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This action requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• See what you are shoveling. Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes/boots that have slip-resistant soles.
• Use a shovel that feels comfortable for your height and strength. Avoid a shovel that is too heavy or too long.
• Pace yourself. Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration, which affects muscles.
• Check with your doctor. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, talk with your doctor before shoveling. If necessary, hire someone to remove the snow.

The potential for musculoskeletal injury is high among inexperienced snow-shovelers, as well as those who have shoveled so many times during the winter that they don't bother to think about snow safety, AAOS noted.

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Winter Survival Tips

• Eat plenty of food to help maintain your body heat. Carry high-calorie foods such as candy bars and trail mix.
• Drink plenty of water. Carry extra water with you and drink it hourly
• Do NOT drink beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine and do not smoke
• Keep hands and feet dry. Wear mittens instead of gloves
• Head for shelter if you get wet or cold
• Avoid overexertion and sweating. Sweating increases heat loss through evaporation.
• Limit your time out in the cold.
• Choose fabrics such as wool, polyester substitutes and water repellant materials.
• Wear two pairs iof socks - Wool is best!
• Be sure clothing and boots are not tight. A decrease in blood flow makes it harder to keep body parts warm and it increases the risk of frostbite.
• If you are taking a prescription medication, make sure to consult with your pharmacist to see if you are at increased risk.

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Winter Facts

Information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Injuries Related to Cold

• 50% happen to people over 60 years old
• more than 75% happen to males
• About 20% occur in the home

Injuries due to Ice and Snow

• about 70% result from vehicle accidents
• about 25% occur in people caught out in a story
• most happen to males over 40 years old
  

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