Winter Weather Awareness Week: Day 2 – Outdoor Winter Safety

As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues, today we highlight the importance of Outdoor Winter Safety. Whether you’re working, recreating, or traveling outdoors, cold temperatures and wind chills can quickly lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

❄️ Dress for the Weather

  • Wear layers: inner moisture-wicking, insulating middle layer, and waterproof outer layer.

  • Protect ears, nose, fingers, and toes — frostbite can occur in minutes.

  • Use hand/foot warmers for extended outdoor activity.

  • Keep a charged phone with you at all times.

🥶 Know the Signs

Frostbite symptoms: white/grayish skin, numbness, waxy texture
Hypothermia symptoms: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness

Seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear.

➤ Outdoor Workers

  • Take scheduled warm-up breaks.

  • Use the buddy system to monitor for cold stress.

➤ Snowmobilers & Ice Anglers

  • Check ice thickness frequently.

  • Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll return.

Reliable Information Sources

  • NWS Wind Chill Alerts: weather.gov

  • Minnesota DNR Ice Safety: www.dnr.state.mn.us

  • Todd County EM Facebook page reminders and alerts

Stay safe, stay warm, and check back tomorrow for Winter Fire Safety tips.