At the time I am writing this, the forecast for the next couple weeks has us nowhere near at or above freezing. With the cold we have already experienced and will continue to experience, it brings with it concerns of safety. Hypothermia and frostbite are definitely something you want to avoid but there also other concerns that come with the cold such as loss of coordination and impairment of judgment that may lead to accidents or other types of injuries.

Wind and moisture have a huge impact on our body’s ability to regulate temperature. Also, the physical attributes of individuals determine their susceptibility to hypothermia. Generally, older people are at greater risk than young people, thin more than stout people and men more than women. Additionally, illnesses such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and epilepsy, all increase the risk of hypothermia.

Here are some tips for prevention:

*Be aware and plan accordingly for the temperature, wind-chill, moisture and your individual physical attributes.

*Dress appropriately—warm hat, gloves, layers of insulating clothing and extra dry clothing.

*Avoid wet feet. Waterproof footwear can cause excessive foot perspiration and wet socks. Have extra dry socks and change into them if feet become wet.

*Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and other diuretics, depressants or stimulants.

*Eat a balanced diet, supplemented by carbohydrates throughout the day when working in cold conditions.

*Drink plenty of fluids—the body is more efficient at regulating temperature if it is well hydrated.

*Avoid working to exhaustion in cold weather. Cold weather effects the amount of physical work a person can do and fatigue will increase the risk of hypothermia.

*Avoid touching metal objects with bare hands.

*Use caution when handling fuels and solvents, especially gasoline. Rapid evaporation has a super cooling effect that can cause instant frostbite.

*Always keep cold weather emergency supplies in your vehicle during the winter months, including blankets, matches or lighters, food, waterproof gear and extra clothes.

Additional information is available by contacting Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.

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Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach