Nebraskaland

36 Nebraskaland • December 2023 Frostbite Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues of your body become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities such as the fi ngers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered, and the skin will have a burning sensation or become numb. If frostbite occurs, head indoors and place the frostbitten parts of your body in warm, not hot, water. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears or lips. Do not rub the frozen areas. After a few minutes, dry off and cover up with clothing or blankets, and drink warm liquids. If the numbness persists for more than a few minutes, seek medical attention. Hypothermia Hypothermia develops when body temperatures fall below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens to people outdoors who are not wearing proper clothing in extremely cold weather. Knowing the signs of hypothermia can save a life. As hypothermia sets in, a person may shiver, become lethargic and clumsy, slur speech and experience decline in body temperature. If you suspect someone is hypothermic, call 911. Until help arrives, take the person indoors, remove wet clothing and wrap them in blankets or warm clothes. Safe Clothing Layering clothes in the winter will help you avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers, especially clothing designed to wick away moisture from the skin. Avoid cotton and denim, which traps moisture against your skin. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water and wind repellent, and hooded. Wear a stocking hat, as most body heat is lost through the head. Keep ears covered to protect them from frostbite, and if activity allows, wear mittens instead of gloves. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are warmer than gloves because fi ngers maintain more warmth when touching rather than separated. Avoid dressing active children in clothing with drawstrings to prevent strangulation, and have them wear a neck warmer or face mask while playing instead of a scarf. Weak Ice Frostbite and hypothermia can result from falling through ice, a real concern for ice anglers and some hunters. It's impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, the daily temperature or snow cover alone. At a minimum, 3 to 4 inches of blue lake ice thickness is required to support a single angler and about 6 inches of ice will support a group of anglers. Slush ice is only half as strong as clear lake ice, so anglers should double the minimum thickness requirements when encountering such conditions. The best way to ensure ice is safe is to whack it with a spud Knowing the Risks of Winter By Julie Geiser Participating in outdoor activities during winter can be tons of fun, but stay safe in the cold. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND GETTY IMAGES

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