Stay safe, warm, and well this season with 7 winter safety tips

The winter season in Colorado brings many joys and many risks with fresh layers of snow, plentiful winter sports, and cozy fires to keep warm indoors. Whether you’re driving through the mountains, enjoying a ski day, or keeping close to home, stay safe with these seasonal tips as we shovel through the next few months of winter storms:

1.  Shovel safely

Shoveling snow puts more stress on the body than you might think but can be good exercise when done correctly. Check out these shoveling safety tips to ensure you stay injury free as you clear driveways and sidewalks this season.

2.  Watch for ice

Avoid a slip and fall by watching where you step and avoiding compacted snow or damp spots on pavement. Even a thin layer can cause a fall resulting in an unwanted trip to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care. When in doubt, wear a pair of micro spikes or ice cleats to ensure good traction on questionable terrain. Take care especially if you are at risk of falling—Dr. Koby Caplan, a geriatrician with Geriatric Medicine of BCH warns that you need to recognize your vulnerabilities. Read more from Dr. Caplan on fall prevention.

3.  Dress in layers

Colorado is notorious for quickly changing weather patterns, so it’s always wise to bring a few options when dressing for outdoor activities. Staying dry is the best way to keep your body warm and avoid hypothermia. Dressing in layers so you can protect yourself from precipitation and avoid sweating. Bring a bag or backpack to store your extra layers so you can make adjustments. Read more from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on the risks, signs and symptoms of hypothermia.

4.  Keep your phone on you

In case of emergency, always keep your phone in an easily accessible location where you can reach it. Whether you slip and fall on the ice, become stranded during a storm, or start experiencing chest pains while shoveling—being able to call for help or call 911 immediately may save your life.

5.  Get the right gear

When venturing outside in winter, be sure you have the right gear for the right activity. Here are some top items to consider:

• Rubber soled shoes with traction – skip flat-soled or leather soled shoes as these can increase chances of slipping on unseen ice.
• Micro spikes or ice cleats – these can be worn over any pair of shoes to offer instant traction in slick conditions.
• Down or down-alternative outerwear – a packable extra layer can fit in a small bag and provide extra warmth in case of dropping temperatures.
• Water-resistant outerwear – While it doesn’t rain much this time of year, snow will melt on contact with your bod heat, soaking your clothes and risking hypothermia. Again, staying dry is the best way to keep your body warm.
• Wear wool – with a variety of popular sports fabrics available, it can sometimes be best to stick to the basics. Wool dries quickly, repels moisture, and can help regulate your body temperature in both hot and cold environments.

6.  Know when to quit

Winter chores and sports alike can be great exercise when done safely, but maintaining safety requires knowing when your body has had enough. If you feel dizzy, winded, fatigued or short of breath, take a break and let someone else help out. Knowing your limits before you begin is also a good idea—if you have preexisting heart condition or are unsteady on your feet, ask someone else to do the shoveling this year.

7.  Warm up wisely

When you’re done with your winter activities, warming up indoors with a steaming beverage sounds ideal, but some heating elements that warm our indoor spaces can be dangerous when used incorrectly.

• Space heaters are the second leading cause of house fires in the United States. No matter what kind of space heater you own—do not leave it plugged in and unattended. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any flammable items such as blankets, curtains, furniture or rugs. Do not leave your space heater running overnight while you sleep. Read more.
• Heated blankets are a great way to warm up fast but check your electric blanket for damage before use to avoid burns or uneven heating.
• Open fireplaces or wood stoves add warmth and a cozy atmosphere to any home. Keep a grate in front of your fireplace to keep children and pets at a safe distance and prevent popping coals from escaping the firebox. Be sure to open the flu—smoke inhalation can cause a variety of health problems and damage your belongings. Always smother a fire completely before leaving the fireplace unattended.