SEASONAL
WINTER WEATHER SAFETY INFORMATION
Ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals with IDD. Find resources to prepare for extreme weather conditions, emergencies, and environmental hazards.
WINTER SAFETY: HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below 95°F (35°C), usually due to prolonged exposure to cold weather, wind, or wet conditions. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making you unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because you may not know it is happening and/or be able to do anything about it.
Why It’s Important for the ID/DD Population
Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) or developmental disabilities (DD) may not recognize the signs of hypothermia or may be unable to communicate when they feel cold or uncomfortable. Some individuals may also have difficulty dressing appropriately for the weather or may resist wearing warm clothing, putting them at greater risk for hypothermia.
What to Do
Take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°F, the situation is an emergency; get medical attention immediately. If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:
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- Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
- If the person is wearing any wet clothing, remove it.
- Warm the center of the body first: chest, neck, head, and groin; using an electric blanket if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
- Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not offer alcoholic beverages. Never give beverages to an unconscious person.
- After the body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or be breathing. In this case, handle the person gently and get emergency assistance (911) immediately. Even if the person appears lifeless, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue while the person is being warmed until responsive or until medical aid becomes available. In some cases, a person with hypothermia who appears lifeless can be successfully resuscitated.
WINTER SAFETY: FROSTBITE
Frostbite is a medical emergency that occurs when skin is exposed to cold temperatures for too long. If you are out in the cold and notice any redness or pain in any area of skin, get out of the cold and protect exposed skin.
Why It’s Important for the ID/DD Population
People with intellectual or developmental disabilities may not notice or report symptoms of frostbite, such as numbness or pain, which makes it more difficult to recognize early signs. Resistance to wearing warm clothing, such as gloves, scarves, or boots, can increase the risk of frostbite in individuals who have trouble understanding or communicating the need to protect their skin from extreme cold. Additionally, medical conditions like neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease can impede or reduce sensitivity to cold and pain making frostbite harder to detect and increasing the risk of damage.
What to Do
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care immediately by calling 911 or going to the local Emergency Department. If immediate medical care is not available, and there are no signs of hypothermia, follow the steps below and seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Seek shelter in a warm room as soon as possible.
- Avoid worsening the injury by avoiding walking on frostbitten feet or toes, rubbing, or massaging the area.
- Warm the frostbitten body part by placing it in warm (not hot) water, or using body heat (for example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers). DO NOT use a heating pad, stove, fireplace, radiator, or heat lamp as the injured areas will be numb and at risk of burning.
Helpful to Know
- Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow color to the skin, waxy or firm skin, and numbness. It often affects the extremities, such as fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
- Never rub or massage frostbitten areas, as this can cause further tissue damage.
- In severe cases, frostbitten tissue may need medical treatment, including possible removal of damaged skin or amputation in extreme cases.
