When out in the cold and snow, it is important to dress appropriately.

Layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing are preferable. Medical experts also

recommend eating "right" because food

provides the body with energy to produce its own heat. It is also important to

drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Overexertion can also take a toll. The strain from the cold and hard labor

associated with clearing tree limbs brought down by ice, or by pushing a car that

has run off an icy road can cause heart attacks, particularly in people who are

out of shape. Sweating, meanwhile, can cause chills and lead to hypothermia.

"Winter clearly has the potential to be quite dangerous," said McConnell.

"A little planning and a lot of common sense can, however, reduce the risks

substantially."

Prepare for winter weather:

At home:

· Have adequate heating fuel, if appropriate. Have an emergency

heating source, such as a fireplace or space

heater, with proper ventilation and away from flammable items. Smoke detectors

and dire extinguishers are also a must.

· Have at least a three-day supply of water and food that does not

require refrigeration or cooking.

· Have a flashlight, battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio,

extra batteries, prescription medicines, and first aid supplies.

In a vehicle:

· Make sure cars and trucks are "winterized." Keep the gas tank at least

half-full to prevent icing in the tank and fuel lines in extreme cold weather.

· Being stranded is unlikely, but if you are travelling in a rural or isolated

area when winter storms are forecast, carry a "survival kit" including: blankets

or sleeping bags, a flashlight with extra batteries, a supply of nonperishable

food, a first aid kit, sand or cat litter for traction, jumper cables and other

useful items.

· Weather layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothes because layers of

clothes can be removed to avoid sweating and potentially dangerous chills. Wear a

hat and cover your mouth to protect the lungs from extreme cold.

· Be sure to eat regular, balanced meals. Food provides the body with

energy to produce its own heat. Drink adequate fluids to prevent dehydration.

Weather dangers:

· Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by exposure to extreme

temperatures, characterized by a loss of feeling and a white pale appearance in the

extremities. Affected areas should be warmed gradually and medical

help sought.

· Hypothermia is a potentially fatal reduction in body temperature,

characterized by uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation,

incoherence, slurred speech, and drowsiness. The body core should be

gradually warmed first, but do not give alcohol, coffee, or any hot beverages.

Medical help should be summoned immediately.

Terms you should know:

· Snow flurries light snow falling for a short duration.

· Snow showers light snow falling at various intensities for brief periods

of time with some accumulation possible.

· Snow squalls brief, but intense, snow showers, accompanied by

strong gusty winds with the possibility of significant accumulation.

· Blowing snow wind driven snow that reduces visibility and causes

drifting.

· Blizzard snow with winds over 35 mph and reduced visibility.

· Sleet rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the

ground. Sleet can accumulate, but does not stick.

· Freezing rain rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below

freezing, causing those surfaces (roads, trees, power lines) to freeze.

<!--##############