Winter in Vermont can be beautiful, but it also brings seasonal health and safety concerns. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, traveling to visit family and friends, or cleaning up after the inevitable snowstorm, keeping some tips in mind will help keep you safe.
Frostbite
Frostbite happens when the water in your skin freezes. It’s most common on the fingers, toes, ears, and face, and it can be very painful and sometimes dangerous. Frostbite can happen anytime temperatures are below freezing, and it happens faster as the temperature and wind chill drop. When the windchill is -15F, you can get frostbite in less than a half hour.
Protect yourself from frostbite by dressing warmly, wearing boots, gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and a mask and goggles. Covering all your skin is a key defense against frostbite, but on the coldest days you still need to limit your time outdoors.
If you believe you have frostbite, don’t wait. See your provider immediately for treatment.
Shoveling Snow
The combination of strenuous work and cold air make snow shoveling particularly taxing, especially for those who have risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
If you have concerns about your health, get someone to shovel snow for you. If you do shovel snow, be sure to pace yourself and take your time. If you have access to one, using a snowblower won’t raise your heart rate as much as shoveling.
Winter Driving
When traveling in winter, Vermont State Police recommend putting good winter tires on your vehicle, driving slowly when conditions deteriorate, and making sure to have a charged cell phone with you.
It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car with an ice scraper, a brush for snow, food and water, windshield fluid, a blanket, and paper towels. If you get stuck, VSP recommends turning on your flashers and calling for help.
A great tip, especially for newer drivers, is to practice driving in snow in an empty parking lot.
More Tips
For more information on winter safety, please visit the Vermont Department of Health.