Winter Safety and Avoiding Slips and Falls

As we are entering the coldest months of the year, it is important to plan ahead and be safe while enjoying outdoor winter activities. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature (below 95° F); it can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. When the body temperature is too low, the brain is affected, resulting in the inability to think clearly and move well. Hypothermia can even occur in milder winter temperatures of 40°F.  

‍Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold. It leads to loss of feeling and color in the affected areas, which are usually the extremities (e.g., toes, fingers, nose, ears). It can cause permanent damage and in severe cases can lead to the need for amputation. 

The best prevention of cold-related illness is to stay indoors. However, if you or someone you support is planning to participate in an outdoor activity during the winter, here are some steps you can take to prevent cold-related illness:  

For more information about hypothermia and frostbite, you can visit:

PCHC has a Winter Safety Training for individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism

Winter Safety

Avoid Winter Slips and Falls

As we know, the winter months in Pennsylvania can bring snow and ice, which increases the risk of falls and injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)estimates that each year, nine million adults in the United States are injured due to a fall. The numbers of injuries increase significantly as the temperatures outside decrease.  

Here are some tips to avoid falls and injuries while navigating snowy, icy, or wet surfaces:

PCHC has a Fall and Injury Prevention training for staff which can be found here: https://cloud.absorbcreate.com/launch/project/tEJcckhqyrPXH6ab8.

PCHC has a Falls Prevention training for individuals with an intellectual disability and/or autism which can be found here: https://www.pchc.org/images/Education/Online-Trainings/Individuals-Families/Preventing-Falls/html5.html  
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For more information about preventing falls, you can visit:

• Keep outdoor activities on cold days brief.
• Take frequent breaks from the cold.                            
• Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing, including a water-resistant jacket or coat.
• Wear a hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf or knit mask that covers the face and mouth, and water-resistant boots to protect the extremities.   
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Stay active to maintain body heat.
• Do not leave people or animals unattended in cars.
• Getout of the cold immediately if signs of hypothermia and/or frostbite occur.

• Wear appropriate footwear(shoes with rough, slip-resistant soles). Avoid loose-fitting shoes or high heels in slippery conditions.    
• Take your time, use a slower and wider gait to help prevent falls. Taking smaller steps with your toes pointed slightly outward can help to maintain a stable base of support.
• Always use handrails when walking up or down stairs or along a sloping walkway.
• Stay on cleared and well-lit sidewalks and paths, keeping alert for black ice. Do not walk between parked cars.
• Pay attention and be aware of surfaces ahead of you. Look down with your eyes only. If you move your head downward, you may shift your balance.
• Be careful getting out of vehicles and navigating curbs. Check to see if the ground is slippery before exiting a vehicle.

• National Council on Aging: Winterize to Prevent Falls: https://www.ncoa.org/article/winterize-to-prevent-falls
• The Mayo Clinic: Avoiding the Slip: Winter Fall Prevention: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/trauma/news/avoiding-the-slip-winter-fall-prevention/mac-20451039
• American Bone Health: Tips to Prevent Falls During Winter Months: https://americanbonehealth.org/fall-prevention/tips-to-prevent-falls-during-winter-months/

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.html         
  Infographic: Avoid Spot Treat Frostbite and Hypothermia:
  https://www.cdc.gov/orr/infographics/ast-frostbite.htm  
• American Red Cross: How to Identify and Treat Frostbite and Hypothermia: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/hypothermia-and-frostbite.html