Cold Weather and Winter Clothing

Winter is a great time of the year to have fun in the great outdoors. However, to enjoy winter you must prepare.

Dress appropriately and pay attention to weather alerts and wind chill index in your area to prevent frostbite (freezing of the skin caused by long-lasting exposure to cold). Special weather statements and warnings are issued when extreme weather is possible in your area.

Very high risk exposure

• Wind chill: –40 to –47.
• Frostbite time: Any exposed skin can freeze in 5 to 10 minutes.
• Frostbite risk: Very high — check face, ears, fingers, and toes for numbness or whiteness.
• Hypothermia risk: Very high if outside for long periods without proper clothing or shelter from wind and cold.

Severe risk exposure

• Wind chill: –48 to –54.
• Frostbite time: Exposed skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes.
• Frostbite risk: Severe — check face and extremities frequently for numbness or whiteness.
• Hypothermia risk: Severe if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or protection.

Extreme risk exposure

• Wind chill: –55 or colder.
• Frostbite time: Exposed skin can freeze in under 2 minutes.
• Hazard level: DANGER! Outdoor conditions are hazardous — avoid being outside.

Here are some tips to help prepare:

• Wear clothes that are warm enough for the outside temperature. Exposure to the cold can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
• Wear layers of winter clothing; several thin layers keep you warmer than one thick layer of clothing.
• Wear windproof and waterproof outer layers and a hat to prevent heat loss from your head.
• Remove wet clothing or footwear immediately. Hypothermia (body loses heat faster than it can produce leading to a low body temperature) can be caused by too little clothing and/or wet clothing.
• Wear sunscreen, even in winter. The sun’s rays can still be harmful.
• Prepare your home for cold winter temperatures by doing regular maintenance. Make sure your heating system is working efficiently and seal all cracks and drafts to keep the heat in.
• Alcohol increases blood flow to the extremities of the body and may make you feel warm even though you are losing heat. It is best to not use alcohol before going out in cold weather.
• Talk to your health-care professional to see if you are at an increased risk from extreme cold due to a medical condition and to see if  strenuous activities like shoveling snow are safe for you.

If you find yourself caught in a severe snowstorm, or outside in extreme cold conditions, look for shelter. If there are no buildings around, a small cave, ditch, hollow tree or a vehicle can help reduce your chances of frostbite or hypothermia and even if you find shelter, keep moving to maintain your body heat.

Services related to this information:

811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555