Extreme cold can be defined in many different ways. In regions that are unaccustomed to cold temperatures, extreme cold may be considered temperatures that are near freezing. In colder regions, temperatures that drop below normal, along with an increase in wind speed may constitute extreme cold. Regardless of the region, extreme cold can be very dangerous. With proper planning, you can ensure a safe winter for your whole family.

Preparing Your Home for Extreme Cold

Because winter weather has the ability to make you housebound for days at a time, you should be prepared by having a winter survival kit of basic items to help you get by until you can leave your house. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this list of important items to keep in stock during the winter:

• Blankets;
• Matches;
• Electric space heater (one that has an automatic shut-off switch);
• Battery-powered radio;
• Battery-powered clock or watch;
• Extra batteries;
• Snow shovel;
• Non-electric can opener;
• Food that doesn’t need to be cooked or refrigerated, such as canned or boxed foods;
• Water (in case your pipes freeze);
• First aid kit;
• An alternate way to heat your home in case the power fails (dry wood for a fireplace or wood stove or kerosene for a kerosene heater);
• Furnace fuel (coal, propane or oil); and
• Flashlight or batter-powered lantern.

Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture. If you expect freezing temperatures, you can prevent this from happening by:

• Leaving all water taps slightly open so they continuously drip;
• Keep the indoor temperature warm; and
• Improve the circulation of heated air near the pipes.

If you can’t thaw your pipes or they have already ruptured, use bottled water or borrow water from a neighbor.

Monitoring Body Temperature in Extreme Cold Conditions

Making sure you stay warm during extremely cold conditions is vital to your health; but it is especially important for infants and older adults because they have a more difficult time generating and maintaining body heat.

Infants lose body heat more easily than adults and can’t generate enough body heat from shivering alone. Infants less than one year old should never sleep in a cold room. Also make sure they have plenty of warm clothing and blankets and try to maintain as warm an indoor temperature as possible.

Adults over 65 years old generate less body heat because they have a slower metabolism and a lower level of physical activity. If you are over 65 years old, be sure the temperature in your home is consistently warm. If you are under 65 years old, check on any relatives or neighbors this age to make sure their thermostat is at an adequate temperature.

Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages because they cause your body to lose heat rapidly. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature.

Dress Appropriately

If you must go outside in extremely cold weather, there are a few precautions you should take to avoid getting frostbite or hypothermia. The CDC recommends:

• Layer Your Clothing: Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven and wind resistant. Wool and silk tend to hold more body heat than cotton.
• Stay Dry: Wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will also increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.
• Pay attention to your body’s signals: If you begin shivering, it’s a good sign it is time for you to go inside.
• For the greatest protection, wear:
  
  • A hat;
  • A scarf or knit mask to cover your face and mouth;
  • Sleeves that are snug at the wrist;
  • Mittens (are warmer than gloves);
  • Water-resistant coat and boots; and
  • Several layers of loose-fitting clothing.

Take Extra Caution with Physical Activity

Because cold weather puts extra strain on the heart, take caution when performing physical activity – especially if you have a heart condition. Your body is already working hard just to keep you warm. Even shoveling can put too much strain on the body. If you must do outdoor activities, dress warmly and work at a slow pace.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention