Winter is a wonderful time of year in Dutchess County.   It brings great outdoor activities, such as snowboarding and skating, but also brings extreme cold weather, ice and snow, which can present a danger if you are not prepared.  Knowing the danger signs and taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. A few simple steps can help you and your family enjoy this winter while staying safe and warm!

Stay Healthy & Safe

Winter weather brings the danger of frostbite and hypothermia.   Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected.   

	When working or playing outdoors during the winter, you can develop frostbite and not even be aware of it.   There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so be alert for these frostbite danger signs:   Skin may feel numb and become flushed.   Then it turns white or grayish-yellow.   Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch. If you suspect frostbite, move to a warm area and cover the affected area with something warm and dry.    Never rub frostbitten skin. Get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.
	Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia. Know the symptoms to watch for and how to respond to hypothermia:  Symptoms of hypothermia include inability to concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering. If the person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately!  Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic, decaffeinated liquids until help arrives.
	Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, can increase the risk of a heart attack. To avoid problems, remember these tips: Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.  Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.  If you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek help immediately.
	Carbon Monoxide Poisoning claims lives every year.   The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases during the winter as use of furnaces, space heaters and fireplaces increases.   Protect yourself and your family against carbon monoxide with these tips: Do not operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.  Do not use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.  Do not use your gas oven to heat your home -- prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.  Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation – open a window slightly.

Driver Safety

The Dutchess County Department of Public Works Highway Division works hard to clear county roads for safe winter driving.   Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind as you travel through the winter: Make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter season with a tune-up, snow tires or tires with good tread, a charged battery and sufficient anti-freeze. Equip your vehicle with a winter survival kit which should include a first aid kits, charged cell phone, ice scraper/snow brush, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, blankets, small shovel, sand or kitty litter (for tire traction) and brightly-colored cloth to use as a distress flag. Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up. Take winter driving seriously.  Travel only if necessary. Make sure other people know your travel plans. Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights before driving.  Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows.   Stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right. Most importantly, SLOW DOWN when driving.   Remember, the posted speed limit is for dry weather conditions.

For a complete winter safety checklist, visit the Dutchess County Emergency Response's 2007-2008 Winter Safety web page.