Dressing Warm

• Wear several layers of loose clothing.  Layers trap warm air around you and protect you like a cocoon.  Remove layers if you start to overheat.
• Keep your head and neck covered. You can lose more than half your body heat if they are uncovered.
• Stay dry.  If your clothes become damp or wet, change them as soon as possible.
• Wet hair makes your body lose heat faster, so dry your hair as soon as possible after bathing.
• Wear mittens.  Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves.
• Use a blanket or snug sack when sitting for long periods.

Sleeping Warm

• Wear a nightcap or knit hat to bed.  Keep your neck warm by wearing clothes with a high collar or turtleneck.
• Put several layers of covers on your bed.  A hot water bottle unders the covers by your feet will help keep them warm.

Eating Well and Exercising

• Good nutrition is always important, especially in the winter.  Nourishing meals provide the fuel your body needs to keep warm.
• Regular exercise helps the body generate more heat.  If you have limited mobility, ask your doctor what exercises you can do.

Medicines and Alcohol

• Many prescription drugs can make you much more vulnerable to the cold.  If you take medication for high blood pressure, nervousness, depression, or to help you sleep, and you have trouble keeping warm, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Despite popular belief, alcohol does not keep you warm.  In fact, it actually increases the loss of heat from your body.

In a Power Outage

• Have a flashlight or two easily accessible.
• Do not use candles during a blackout.  They are a fire hazard.
• Keep a battery-operated radio tuned to KFBK 1530 AM for emergency broadcasts.
• Have a cord-type telephone on hand.  The phone lines work during an outage, but the cordless phones won't. 
• Keep bottled drinking water on hand.  Allow one gallon per person per day.
• Freeze water in plastic bottles.  During an outage, use them to keep items cold or use the melting ice for drinking water.
• Have an emergency battery-operated light that automatically goes on when the power fails. 
• Never use a barbecue or propane heater indoors.  They cause carbon monoxide poisoning and are deadly.

For Caregivers

Danger Signals

If you or someone you know has any of these signs during cold weather, it could indicate cold stress:

• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• Cold, stiff muscles
• Puffy face
• Forgetfulness
• Uncontrollable shivering
• Cold skin, especially stomach
• Trembling on one side of the body
• Slow breathing or heart rate

In an Emergency

• Call a doctor or 911
• Handle the person very gently
• Protect the person with blankets, towels, or extra clothes
• Make sure to cover head and neck

DO NOT

• Do not give hot drinks or food; the person may choke or vomit
• Do not raise the legs or place hot water bottles on the feet
• Do not put the person in a hot bath or shower
• Do not give any alcohol or drugs
• Do not massage the arms or legs

Questions or concerns?

• County Public Health Nurse:  875-5881
• In-Home Supportive Services:  874-9471
• Adult Protective Services: 874-9377
• Public Guardian/Conservator:  875-4467
• Public Authority:  875-4057