Winter weather hazards

  • Published
  • By Greg Chadwick, Air Force Materiel Command Health & Wellness Team
  • Air Force Materiel Command

Winter weather can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. Ice and snow can create a higher risk of car accidents, fractures from falling, and overexertion injuries. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead for the hazards of winter weather.

“Although winter storms don’t happen often in Florida, it’s still important to protect yourself against cold weather hazards by being prepared and having a plan in place,” said Kim Harris, Eglin’s Civilian Health Promotions Services coordinator.

Cold outdoor temperatures
Cold weather can be dangerous for anyone who spends time outdoors for either work or fun. Dress warmly and stay dry with layers of loose-fitting clothing. The outer layer of clothing helps protect you from wind, snow, and rain. It should be water and wind resistant, to reduce loss of body heat. An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body.

Natural fibers like wool, goose down, or fleece work best. The inner layer of clothing should be a fabric that will hold body heat and doesn’t absorb moisture. Wool, silk or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.

You should also wear a hat that covers the ears, scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth, and mittens for the hands. Footwear should be boots that are waterproof and insulated to keep feet warm and dry, with heavily textured soles that can grip surfaces.

Driving in ice and snow 
Of injuries related to snow and ice, about 70% occur in automobiles. If you must go out during a winter storm, be sure your headlights, taillights and windows are clean so you can see and be seen. Do not travel in low visibility conditions. Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, bridges, and overpasses, if at all possible.

Drive carefully and defensively. Don’t try to save time by traveling faster than road and weather conditions permit. Always travel with a charged cell phone.

Prepare your car for winter travel. Have your car systems serviced: check the battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield washer fluid, heater, defroster, and brakes. Replace worn tires and check tire air pressure.

Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include a windshield scraper and small broom, a small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels, collapsible shovel, and jumper cables. Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in tank and fuel lines.

For more information on how to protect yourself from winter weather, call 883-8024 or visit USAFwellness.com . Comprehensive information on cold weather safety can be found on the Ready.gov website.