During cold temperatures, cover up, don't overexert yourself, layer up, and stay dry.It's winter in Siouxland and that means facing freezing temps at times. With this latest storm, it's important to remember, if you spend more than just a few minutes in sub zero weather, you could be at risk for hypothermia.
The snow, the wind, the cold. When those factors combine, its downright dangerous.
"When someone works outside and they are exposed to the extreme cold for an extended period of time and your body temperature actually drops to 95 degrees or less that causes hypothermia," says Terry Gilmore, the Director of Continuing Education at Siouxland Safety Services.
Gilmore with Siouxland Safety Services teaches classes to cities, companies, and employees about keeping workers warm while on the job and ways to avoid hypothermia. We all know that when you have to be outside in those conditions to cover up exposed skin, but what if your job requires you to spend hours outside?
Gilmore says just remember the acronym "COLD." The 'C' stands for cover up, especially your head. The 'O' is for overexertion. Don't push yourself too hard when it's cold. The 'L' is for layers. Layer all your clothing and all parts of your body. And the 'D' is for dry. Don't let that moisture creep in.
"Nobody wants to jump out of an airplane without a parachute, well you shouldn't go outside without being prepared also because the cold can really do some damage," says Gilmore.
Go to Siouxland Safety Services to learn more about the classes they offer or for more information on avoiding hypothermia while on the job.
