Winter is here with the likelihood of winter storms. Winter storms can cause disruptions to our travel plans and daily routines. However severe cold, chilling rain, snow, and wind can have an impact on our health.

Recently, the death rates in the US have been between 8-12% more during the months of winter, according to mortality data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 1979, in general, over 19,000 Americans have faced death, particularly from diseases due to cold, as per the death certificates.

This rise has been related to changes in the human body and behavior seasonally and growing exposure to respiratory diseases, as stated by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Caring for the elderly and children

Older adults and infants should be prioritized at the time of a winter storm, according to Dr Tyler Barrett who is the executive medical director of emergency services at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. This is because babies very easily lose body heat and the elderly tend to create less body heat. Hypothermia occurs when the body is beginning to lose heat quicker than it can produce.

One should ensure that children who are younger than 1 year are sleeping in warm rooms, preferably between 68 to 72 degrees. Again if one has neighbors or friends who are older than 65 years, they should be checked on very often to ensure that their houses are sufficiently heated.

It is also noted by Barrett that hypothermia risk increases once the home temperature is under 50 degrees for a long period.
Pets should be kept indoors during cold weather conditions, however, if they step outside, their legs should be rigorously cleaned as well as their bottom to make sure they are devoid of snow when they step inside.

How to stay safe indoors

While staying indoors, charcoal or gas grills or wood stoves as well as generators should never be used. The fumes generated from these devices can lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide, the colorless or odorless gas that can even kill a person.
According to the CDC, the usage of kitchen stoves is not safe as well, rather using additional blankets, coats, or sleeping bags is helpful. A fireplace that is well kept along with a movable safe heater will be a more safe alternative.

Enhance your winter wardrobe

One should avoid walking on roads covered with ice, and in the case they are outdoors, with a vehicle, it is better to stay indoors to prevent hypothermia according to the National Weather Service. One should also remain moisturised during winters.

Perils of hypothermia and frostbite

As per the recommendation of Barrett, one should limit the amount of time they spend outside to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

FAQs

Q1. How can winter storms affect us?
A1. Winter storms can cause disruptions to our travel plans and daily routines. Severe cold, chilling rain, snow, and wind can have an impact on our health.

Q2. How to stay safe indoors during winter?
A2. In the case of staying indoors during winter, charcoal or gas grills or wood stove as well as generators should never be used. The fumes generated from these devices can lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide, the colorless or odorless gas that can even kill a person.