As the single-digit and sub-zero temperature days become more frequent, it’s important for all of us (no matter how many winters you’ve been through) to review ways to stay safe in the bitter cold, so we can make it through another lovely Minnesota winter. Refresh your winter safety knowledge by reviewing the cold weather safety tips below, and stay safe out there!
- Check the weather daily
- Beware of ice and walk slowly
- Utilize Public Safety escorts when possible
- Dress in layers – warm air gets trapped between the layers, keeping you warmer longer
- Wear sunglasses – the sun reflects off of the ice and snow and can cause your corneas to burn, also known as “snow blindness”
- Staying hydrated by drinking water can help keep you warm – being hydrated increases the amount of blood in your system which helps keep you warmer in cold temperatures
- Drinking alcohol will make you feel artificially warm – if you’ve been drinking alcohol, make sure you’re with a group or let friends know when you’re leaving a bar/house and when you expect to be home
- Know the signs of hypothermia
- If you are showing symptoms of mild hypothermia (shivering, increased heart rate, rapid shallow breathing), get to a dry warm place and remove any wet clothing, then cover yourself with blankets and/or dry clothes (if you can avoid it, do not lay directly on the ground as this will increase the amount of heat lost through your skin)
- If you or someone you are with is experiencing symptoms of severe hypothermia (becoming confused, trying to remove warm clothing, fatigued and/or loss of consciousness, weak pulse/breathing) seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1 as soon as possible
- Beware of frostbite
- If you experience frostbite (discoloration of the skin, skin feels numb or like “pins and needles” poking you) get into a warm area and gently rewarm the affected areas – DO NOT immerse frostbitten skin in hot water, it will cause your skin to burn
- If you develop blisters in the frostbitten area, remain in pain after the tissue has returned to body temperature or lose feeling in the affected area, seek medical attention immediately
As always, call Public Safety at 612-330-1717 or use the Campus Shield app to report someone who may need help or is acting suspiciously