Emergency Physicians Share Ways to Stay Safe During Dangerous Winter Storms

WASHINGTON, DC-With dangerous winter weather forecast to impact much of the nation over the next several days, emergency physicians expect to see a rise in cold weather-related health emergencies, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) said. There are steps people can take to reduce their chances of illness or injury related to winter storms.

"When temperatures drop, the risks of injury and illness can rise," said L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, President of ACEP. "Emergency physicians see an uptick in falls, hypothermia and traffic accidents as cold weather creates dangerous conditions. A few precautions can prevent a trip to the emergency department."

Hypothermia can be hard to recognize. When body temperature cools too fast and drops below 95 degrees, it leads to hypothermia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, shallow breathing, and sluggishness can make this emergency hard to recognize. Avoid prolonged exposure to cold, layer clothing appropriately, stay dry, and limit time outdoors. If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911 right away. In the meantime, treat the affected area by gently soaking it in warm-never hot-water.

Keep your home safe. Cold weather often means more time inside. Gather supplies to be ready in the event of a power outage or utility disruption. Heat your home safely by ensuring proper ventilation and following safety guidelines to avoid fires.

Install carbon monoxide detectors and check to make sure they are working properly. Carbon monoxide is odorless, and exposures can quickly lead to life-threatening illness or death. If your detector sounds, or if you and your family members develop symptoms like headache, dizziness, fatigue, or nausea, especially if everyone feels sick at once, get fresh air and call 911 immediately.

Stay off the roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, more than 22,000 crashes occurred due to dangerous road conditions caused by snow, sleet, or ice. Stay off the roads as much as possible during and after severe weather. If you must go out, check weather forecasts and carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.

Take care when shoveling. Keep walkways clear of ice and snow, but be careful when shoveling. According to the National Safety Council, snow shoveling is responsible for thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths, mostly due to heart attacks, each year in the United States. Go slow, lift small amounts of snow, and take breaks.

Snowblowers can be dangerous. If using a snowblower, never clear blockages with your hands, even when the machine is turned off. The blades of the snowblower are still under tension and can cause severe hand injuries when the blockage is loosened.

Reduce the risk of falling on ice. Icy streets and sidewalks put you at risk for a dangerous slip or fall. It is best to stay inside until walkways are cleared after the storm. If you must walk outside, make sure to wear shoes or boots with a good grip and take it slow.