Safety in winter time

Winter weather has arrived in Russia. Do you know the signs of hypothermia, and what to do if you get frostbite? Read six steps to cold weather safety to make sure you're ready for cold weather!

1) Listen to the weather forecast;

2) Dress warmly:

When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf. Remember that your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.

3) Seek shelter:

When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

4) Stay dry:

Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.

5) Keep active:

Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

6) Be aware of signs of frostbite and hypothermia:

• Hypothermia

  - Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature.
  - Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur.
  - It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness. Cardiac arrest may occur.

  What to do:

  - Get medical attention immediately.
  - Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
  - Get the person indoors.
  - Gently remove wet clothing.
  - Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.

• Frostbite

  - A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.
  - Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
  - No sensation - the area is numb or tingling.

  What to do:

  - Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help!
  - Do not rub or massage the area.
  - Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
  - Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C). Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.

You may also need to know some rules of Self Rescue on ice and Safety Measures when the snow melts.

Links: http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201101-en.aspx