4 Tips to Keep You Safe This Winter: Practical Steps for Health, Home, and Travel​

Winter brings cozy evenings by the fire, snow-covered landscapes, and holiday cheer—but it also introduces unique risks to your health, home, and safety. From frigid temperatures and icy roads to carbon monoxide risks from heating systems, the season demands preparation. To help you stay safe, we’ve distilled expert advice into four critical tips: preventing hypothermia and frostbite, securing your home against heating hazards, navigating wintry travel safely, and preparing for emergencies. By following these steps, you’ll reduce risks and enjoy winter with confidence.

​Tip 1: Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite—Protect Your Body from the Cold​

Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) and frostbite (tissue freezing) are silent but serious winter threats, especially for older adults, children, and those spending extended time outdoors. Understanding their signs and how to prevent them is key.

​What to Know About Hypothermia:​​
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, dropping core temperature below 95°F (35°C). Early symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, fatigue, and confusion. Left untreated, it progresses to loss of coordination, weak pulse, and even unconsciousness. The CDC estimates that over 1,300 Americans die annually from hypothermia, with older adults (65+) at highest risk due to slower metabolism and reduced ability to sense cold.

​Preventing Hypothermia:​​

• ​Dress in Layers:​​ Use a moisture-wicking base layer (e.g., merino wool or synthetic fabrics) to pull sweat away from skin, an insulating middle layer (fleece or down), and a wind/waterproof outer layer. Avoid cotton—it traps moisture and speeds heat loss.
• ​Cover Extremities:​​ Wear a thick hat (50% of body heat is lost through the head), insulated gloves or mittens (mittens retain more heat than gloves), and moisture-wicking socks (avoid tight fits that restrict circulation).
• ​Limit Exposure:​​ Stay indoors during extreme cold (below 0°F/-18°C with wind chill). If outside, take frequent breaks in warm shelters and drink warm (non-alcoholic) fluids—alcohol dilates blood vessels, accelerating heat loss.

​Understanding Frostbite:​​
Frostbite typically affects fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Mild cases (frostnip) cause redness and numbness; severe frostbite leads to white/grayish skin, hardening, and blistering. Severe cases can result in permanent tissue damage or amputation.

​Preventing Frostbite:​​

• ​Keep Skin Dry:​​ Wet clothing or skin freezes faster. Change out of damp layers immediately.
• ​Avoid Tight Clothing/Accessories:​​ Scarves, tight boots, or gloves restrict circulation, increasing frostbite risk.
• ​Watch for Numbness:​​ If skin feels numb or looks pale, get indoors. Warm affected areas gently with warm (not hot) water (100–105°F/38–40°C) or body heat—never rub, as this damages tissue.

​Tip 2: Secure Your Home—Heating Safety and Carbon Monoxide Risks​

Winter increases reliance on heating systems, but faulty equipment or poor ventilation can lead to house fires or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Here’s how to protect your home:

​Heating System Maintenance:​​

• ​Inspect Furnaces and Fireplaces:​​ Hire a professional to clean and check furnaces, chimneys, and flues annually. Creosote buildup in chimneys causes 25% of home heating fires (NFPA data).
• ​Use Space Heaters Safely:​​ Place them at least 3 feet from furniture, curtains, or bedding. Opt for models with tip-over and overheat protection. Never leave them unattended or sleep with them on.
• ​Avoid Improper Heat Sources:​​ Never use ovens, grills, or portable gas generators indoors—they produce lethal CO. Generators should be placed outside, 20+ feet from windows/doors.

​Carbon Monoxide Safety:​​
CO is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fuel (gas, wood, propane). It displaces oxygen in the blood, causing headaches, dizziness, nausea, and death. Over 400 Americans die yearly from CO poisoning (CDC).

​Prevent CO Poisoning:​​

• ​Install CO Detectors:​​ Place one on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly.
• ​Ventilate Properly:​​ Open flues when using fireplaces; ensure gas stoves are vented outdoors.
• ​Know the Symptoms:​​ If multiple people in your home feel ill (especially if symptoms improve when outdoors), suspect CO. Evacuate immediately and call 911.

​Tip 3: Navigate Wintry Roads and Walkways Safely​

Ice, snow, and slush make winter travel hazardous—whether driving, walking, or cycling. Preparation and caution are critical.

​Driving in Snow and Ice:​​

• ​Prepare Your Vehicle:​​ Switch to winter tires (they maintain traction below 45°F/7°C), check antifreeze levels, and keep an emergency kit (blankets, flashlight, shovel, sand) in your car.
• ​Adjust Your Driving:​​ Slow down—braking distance doubles on ice. Increase following distance to 8–10 seconds (vs. 3–4 in dry conditions). Avoid sudden movements; brake gently and steer smoothly.
• ​Know When to Stay Home:​​ If roads are icy or visibility is poor, delay non-essential trips. AAA reports that 22% of winter crashes involve sliding on ice or snow.

​Walking Safely:​​

• ​Wear Traction Aids:​​ Use ice cleats or shoes with deep treads. Avoid leather soles—they’re slippery on ice.
• ​Watch for Black Ice:​​ This thin, transparent ice forms on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Test suspicious patches with a cane or foot before stepping.
• ​Use Handrails:​​ Hold railings when walking on stairs, and keep hands out of pockets to maintain balance.

​Clearing Walkways and Driveways:​​
Shovel snow promptly to prevent ice buildup. Use rock salt or calcium chloride (avoid sodium chloride—it harms concrete and plants) to melt ice. Sand adds traction but doesn’t melt snow.

​Tip 4: Prepare for Emergencies—Have a Plan and the Right Supplies​

Winter storms can knock out power, close roads, or trap you at home. A well-stocked emergency kit and clear plan ensure you’re ready for anything.

​Build a Winter Emergency Kit:​​
Include:

• ​Non-perishable food​ (3 days’ worth: canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit).
• ​Water​ (1 gallon per person/day for 3 days).
• ​Medications​ (7-day supply, plus copies of prescriptions).
• ​Light and Heat:​​ Flashlights (with extra batteries), a battery-powered radio, and hand warmers.
• ​Tools:​​ A multi-tool, duct tape, and a fire extinguisher.
• ​Personal Items:​​ Blankets, extra clothing, and hygiene products.

​Plan for Power Outages:​​

• ​Charge Devices:​​ Keep power banks charged; use them only for essential communication.
• ​Stay Warm:​​ Close off unused rooms, use blankets, and avoid opening fridge/freezer doors to preserve food.
• ​Check on Vulnerable Neighbors:​​ Older adults or those with medical needs may need extra support.

​Stay Informed:​​
Sign up for local weather alerts via apps like FEMA or the National Weather Service. Know evacuation routes and shelter locations in your area.

​Final Thoughts: Proactive Preparation Equals Winter Safety​

Winter doesn’t have to be dangerous—with the right steps, you can protect your health, home, and loved ones. By preventing cold-related illnesses, securing your home against heating risks, driving and walking cautiously, and preparing for emergencies, you’ll turn winter from a season of worry into one of warmth and safety. Remember: small, consistent actions today can make all the difference when the cold arrives.