Tips for surviving cold weather

As cooler temperatures make their way into the state, the Oklahoma State Department of Health encourages the public to begin preparation for the upcoming winter weather season.

Proper planning can reduce the risk of injury and illness while also ensuring a family is prepared for a major winter weather event.

Cold outdoor temperatures require residents to monitor not only their home temperature, but their body temperature as well. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises infants less than 1 year of age should never sleep in a cold room because infants lose body heat more easily than adults, and can’t produce body heat.

Babies should not be wrapped in blankets, but rather dressed in warmer clothing such as footed pajamas. If the indoor temperature cannot be maintained, temporary arrangements should be made to stay elsewhere.

It is also important for adults age 65 and older to remain in a warm atmosphere as they often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity.

Scott Sproat, director of the OSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Service, said it’s important to use caution when heating a home with a fireplace, space heater or wood stove, using them only when they are properly vented.

"You can protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector," Sproat said. "Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside the house, in basements, in garages or near windows."

Other tips to prepare for winter weather include:

• Know what to do if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones are cut off for an extended period of time.

• Have your car winterized before winter storm season. Keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.

• Carry extra clothing, blankets and high energy snacks, such as trail mix or protein bars in your car for protection if car stalls.

• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Stay informed. Know what National Weather Service winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean. Learn more about weather advisories at www.nws.noaa.gov .

For more information about preparing for winter weather and other events, visit www.ready.gov.