Staying Warm and Safe in Cold Weather: Hypothermia Basics
When the weather turns cold, staying warm is about more than comfort. As we get older, our bodies can have a harder time holding on to heat. According to MedlinePlus Magazine from the National Library of Medicine, a small drop in the surrounding temperature, or a short time out in the cold, can cause a bigger drop in body temperature than you might expect. Some health conditions can raise the risk, too.
The good news is that a few simple habits go a long way.
Keep Your Home Warm Enough
Hypothermia doesn’t only happen outdoors. A poorly heated home can cause it, too. MedlinePlus advises keeping indoor temperatures above 68°F.
- Block drafts by laying a rolled towel along the bottom of outside doors.
- Seal gaps around windows with weather stripping or caulk.
- Never use an oven, stovetop or grill to heat your home. The U.S. Fire Administration warns against it.
- Keep extra food, water and any medicines you need on hand in case a storm or power outage keeps you home.
Dress for the Cold, Indoors and Out
- Wear several loose layers. Layers trap warmth better than one heavy item.
- When you go outside, wear a hat, gloves or mittens, a water-resistant coat and boots, and cover your face and mouth, as the CDC suggests.
- Change out of wet clothes right away.
- Skip alcohol when you need to stay warm. MedlinePlus notes it makes the body lose heat faster.
Know the Warning Signs
Hypothermia means your body temperature has dropped below 95°F. The CDC lists these warning signs in adults:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion or feeling very tired
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
Frostbite most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. MedlinePlus says it starts with pins and needles, then numbness, and the skin may turn white and feel waxy, hard and cold.
What to Do If You Suspect Hypothermia
The CDC calls hypothermia a medical emergency. If you think someone has it:
- Call 911 or get medical help right away, especially if their temperature is below 95°F.
- Move the person to a warm room and remove any wet clothing.
- Warm the center of the body first: chest, neck, head and groin. Use an electric blanket if you have one, or skin-to-skin contact under dry layers.
- Offer warm drinks, but never alcohol, and never give a drink to someone who is unconscious.
- Once their temperature comes up, keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
For frostbite, the CDC says not to rub or massage the skin, and not to warm it with a fireplace, heat lamp, radiator, stove, heating pad or electric blanket.
Make a Simple Check-In Plan
If you live alone, ask a friend, relative or neighbor to check on you during cold snaps, and offer to do the same for them. If you have a health condition, it’s worth asking your doctor whether it affects how well you handle the cold.
More on Seniors Tips
- How to Get Ready for Winter Storms and Power Outages at Home
- Space Heater Safety: Simple Habits for a Warm, Safe Winter
