Prevention

Do...
• Do dress warmly and layer clothing: waterproof and "windstop" materials on the outer layer and wool, silk or polypropylene for inner layers
• Do wear a hat or cap that can be pulled down to cover exposed areas of the face
• Do wear water resistant insulated boots, and gloves or mitttens

Don't
• Don't put extra strain on your heart: your body is already working hard just to stay warm.
• Don't expect infants and the elderly to always keep up; they are particularly at risk.

Beyond Feeling Cold ...
Learn to recognize these serious conditions of exposure,
and what to do about them:

• Frostbite: tingling, stinging, aching, numbness. Ears, fingers, toes, cheeks and noses are likely areas. Frostbitten areas appear white and cold to the touch. Can occur at above-freezing temperatures due to wind chill (See below) First Aid: Get patient into a warm room. Immerse affected ares in warm (NOT HOT) water. DO NOT RUB affected area; cover area with dry dressing and seek medical care.

• Hypothermia:
Mild/Moderate: conscious but with shivering, fumbling, slurred speech, irrational and careless behavior. First Aid: Layer dry clothing, increase activity and seek shelter. Provide food and hot beverages ONLY IF CONSCIOUS. Seek medical attention.
Severe: shivering may have stopped, curled up body, pale skin, dilated pupils, may appear unconscious and seem to lack pulse/beathing. First Aid: Wrap victim and keep dry. Add heat with heat packs or hot water bottles. Give warm beverages ONLY IF CONSCIOUS. Be prepared to administer CPR if necessary. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!

Wind Chill Index is the temperature that you body feels when the air tempeature is combined with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and speed -- as the speed of the wind increses, it can take heat away from your body more quickly. The National Weather Service has a chart to look up Wind Chill Index, based on temperature and wind speed, and see the risk and speed of frostbite.

Lifejackets / Cold Water Safety

In Pennsylvania waters (including the Delaware River) boaters must wear lifejackets on boats less than 16 ft. in length and on canoes and on kayaks, from November 1 through April 30. This regulation is intended to protect boaters from the dangers of cold water shock if they fall into the water.

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