For those who live in Ohio, cold weather can present many safety challenges. Cold winds, snow and ice can create hazards that range from merely inconvenient to downright dangerous. Taking a little extra time to dress appropriately for the weather and move slowly can help reduce your chances for injury. Here are some tips to make working playing outside during winter weather a little safer.

Shoveling Snow/Snow Blower Safety

Shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack and pushing a heavy snow blower also can cause injury. Cold weather increases heart rate and blood pressure and can put a big strain on the heart.

Take it easy while shoveling snow! Make sure you stretch your muscles before picking up a shovel. Don’t shovel snow right after eating or while smoking. To avoid muscle strains, push the snow rather than lifting. If you must lift the snow, use a smaller shovel or only fill partially – and lift with your legs, not your back! Take frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion. Most importantly: know the signs of a heart attack. If you develop symptoms of a heart attack, call 911!

Snowblowers can present their own hazards, so exercise caution when using one. If the snowblower jams, turn it off. Keep your hands away from moving parts. Remember the risks of carbon monoxide if you run snowblower in an enclosed space. Shut off the snowblower before refueling and refuel outdoors. Never add fuel while the snowblower is running! And always shut off the snowblower if you have to leave it unattended.

Frostbite and Hypothermia Safety

Excessive exposure to low temperatures, wind or moisture can cause both frostbite and hypothermia. Before venturing outside in winter, be sure to check the temperature and limit your time outdoors if it is very cold, wet or windy.

It is important to dress for the weather to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Make sure you bundle up in several layers of loose clothing. Wear mittens instead of gloves. Cover your head and ears with a warm hat and wear socks that keep your feet warm and dry.

Hypothermia is when your body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees and it is a medical emergency! Severe shivering, one of the first signs of hypothermia, is beneficial in keeping the body warm. But as hypothermia progresses, shivering gives way to drowsiness or exhaustion, confusion, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, loss of coordination and eventually unconsciousness and death.

If you suspect someone has developed hypothermia, here’s how you can help them:

• Quickly move the victim out of the cold.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Warm the victim with blankets and warm clothing.
• Do not rub or massage the victim’s skin.
• Be very gentle when handling the victim.
• Give warm (not hot) drinks to an alert victim who can easily swallow. Do not give alcohol or caffeine.
• Check for responsiveness and breathing – if either are altered, call 911.
• Provide CPR if unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Winter is a beautiful time of year. With a few simple precautions, it is possible to work and play outside in cold weather.