Public Health offers tips for a safe and healthy winter

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Winter weather is upon us and expected to continue into next week with subzero temperatures, additional snow and high winds. Deschutes County Public Health reminds people to take precautions to prevent serious health and safety concerns. Preparing for exposure to colder temperatures can mean the difference between staying healthy and serious injury or even death.

When exposed to cold temperatures, the human body loses heat faster than it creates it. Lengthy exposure to cold uses up the body’s stored energy. It can result in a serious condition called hypothermia, characterized by an unusually low body temperature. Hypothermia is most likely to occur at very cold temperatures. However, it can occur at temperatures above 40 degrees F. It can happen if you become chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water.

“Winter weather can cause many health-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. You can also get injuries from falling on slippery or icy sidewalks and paths,” said Emily Horton, Program Manager for Public Health Preparedness. “Cold weather can put an extra strain on the heart. Make sure to dress warm, keep outdoor trips brief and take breaks when shoveling or working outside.”

Frostbite is another injury to the body caused by freezing. It results in a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body. Severe cases can lead to amputation. If you have reduced blood circulation, or do not dress well for extremely cold temperatures, you are at higher risk of frostbite than others are.

If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow, chopping wood or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, dress warmly and work slowly if you have to do active outdoor chores. You can start overheating and sweating because the body already is working hard just to stay warm.

Health officials offer the following tips to help keep you and your family safe and healthy during extremely cold weather:

• Try to stay indoors when weather is extremely cold, especially if winds are high.
• Make trips outside as brief as possible, if you must go outdoors.
• When going outside during very cold weather, adults and children should wear:
  • • A hat
    • A scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
    • Sleeves snug at the wrist
    • Insulated and waterproof mittens or gloves
    • Several layers of loose-fitting, thermal wear or material that “wicks” the skin
    • A water-resistant or tightly woven coat
    • Two layers of socks with boots or shoes that are waterproof and have flexible sole

Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible. You can do this by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Applying sand or cat litter to walkways can also reduce the risk of slipping.

If you need warm shelter, call 211 for warming shelter locations. 

In coordination with community partners, here is a list of local daytime and overnight warming spaces:

Due to extended and additional warming shelter operations, the following donations are much appreciated:

• Winter Clothing: Coats, Hats, Gloves, Boots
• Bottled Water
• Handwarmers

Donation Drop Off Locations during operating hours:

Shepherd’s House Ministries:

For Bend: 1854 NE Division St., Bend, OR 97701

For Redmond: 1350 S HWY 97, Redmond, OR 97756

First Presbyterian:

230 NE 9th St, Bend OR 97701

To find more cold weather safety tips, visit http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/Prepare/Pages/PrepareForWinterStorms.aspx