Protect Yourself

Guidelines

The best way to avoid cold injuries is to be prepared. The following precautions can help reduce the risk of injury:

Eat well and ensure that you get enough rest during the winter months.
Maintain a heated environment in your home or office (according to heat by-laws, landlords MUST maintain the heat at a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius between the 15th of September of each year, and the first day of June of the following year) .
Check the weather forecast before going outside and keep your body well covered. Wearing layers of winter clothing (sweaters, thick socks, insulated coats and boots, mittens, hats, and neck warmers) helps to trap air and keep you warmer.
Stay out of the wind.
Change wet clothing or footwear immediately. If you are sweating, remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat.
Reduce time spent outdoors when the weather is extremely cold.
Be aware that tobacco, alcohol and certain medications increase your susceptibility to the cold.
Check children's faces and extremities (fingers, toes, ears and noses) for signs of shivering, numbness or pale skin.
Drink non-alcoholic beverages such as lukewarm water, soup or tea.
Stay active. Physical activity increases your metabolism and generates heat.
Keep blankets, flares and other emergency equipment in your car and take along a cell phone when travelling.