Extreme cold: the right things to do to protect yourself

While theflu epidemic, very virulent this year, continues to prevail, the French must now deal with the great coldand redouble vigilance. As with the flu, some populations are more vulnerable to the significant drop in mercury and the associated dangers – frostbite, frostbite and hypothermia which can lead to coma or even death.

What are they ? The elderly, newborns and infants; people suffering from certain diseases: heart failure, angina, respiratory failure, asthma, diabetes, neurological disorders; people with reduced mobility, the homeless, people in a very precarious situation, people not aware of the danger and workers exposed to the cold by nature.

the Ministry of Health reminds you of the right actions to take to protect yourself from the cold. Rule number 1: stay warm by reducing external exits.

Cover up and move around if you go outside

If you have to go out, adapt your attire accordingly. Now is the time to put into practice the onion technique : Layer different layers of clothing to keep your body temperature at its maximum once you get your nose out.

• You don’t have a beanie head? No matter ! Cover your head is important because it is a part of the body through which up to 30% of heat loss can occur, points out the Ministry of Health.
• The gloves are mandatory. Avoid uncovering your hands even for a moment and even to reply to a message on your smartphone, it will wait!
• the face is no exception. Without resorting to the balaclava, think of a muffler (scarf, scarf) to have the lower face and the mouth warm.
• So as not to cool you down too much, keep moving: walk. “Maintain a certain level of regular exercise such as walking, without making significant efforts,” says the ministry.
• If you absolutely must travel by car, make sure that you could face a breakdown or prolonged immobilization without assistance. Prepare emergency equipment : provide enough food and water, take blankets (including at least a survival blanket and warm change of clothes) and your medication.
• Make sure the car is in good working order and remember to refuel it before departure.

How to protect yourself from the cold at home

While every year, cases ofcarbon monoxide poisoningare to be deplored, the ministry calls for caution and recapitulates the behavior to take to heat its interior without risk:

• Keep the room temperature at a suitable level including the bedroom (minimum 19 ° C)
• Close unused rooms
• Be vigilant with heaters. To prevent the risk, make sure that heaters are in good working order and that they are maintained by a professional before using them. Do not overheat wood stoves or space heaters because of the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Auxiliary heaters running on fuels (eg: kerosene, butane …) or camping are to be avoided for the same reasons.

The generators must imperatively be placed outside the home and never in an enclosed environment (cellar, garage, etc.),

• Do not block the air vents.
• If you are an elderly or disabled person, update your family or neighborhood regularly. Likewise, if you know an elderly and / or isolated person, consider checking in regularly.

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