Cold Comfort: Tips on How to Survive These Icy Temperatures

Don't let frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills stop you cold. It's possible to stay warm and safe whether you're home or out and about by following a few expert tips.

Taking care of yourself

What to wear: First dress in loose layers to trap air, said Dr. Heather Tara, emergency medicine physician on staff at the Silver Cross Free-Standing Emergency Care Center in Homer Glen. Don't forget your hat and scarf, Tara added. Your body loses much heat through the head and neck, especially when the weather is windy, too.

Don't think you can skimp on the clothing if you're going to be traveling, even in town. "You never know when you are going to get stranded," Tara said.

Watch what you do: Once outside, light walking is fine, but skip the five-mile jog when it's extremely cold, Tara said. Take frequent breaks when snow shoveling. Those with chronic heart and respiratory disorders should not exert themselves.

Be careful what you drink: Stay well-hydrated, but select water and sports drinks over those containing caffeine and alcohol.

"Caffeinated beverages decrease the circulation and make you feel colder," Tara said. "Alcohol impairs your judgment and makes you think you're warmer than you really are."

Danger signs: Pay attention to any symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia and seek shelter and emergency help if they occur. Fingers should not feel numb or have white, yellow or gray patches. If that occurs, a warm—not hot—water soak will bring their temperature up.

"If they get really painful, it's a sign of impending frostbite," Tara said. "In the worst-case scenario, the extremities are very waxy and hard or turn blue or black."

Indicators of hypothermia include drowsiness, confusion, severe shivering and slowed breathing. "A person needs emergency help at that point," Tara said, "especially if the body temperature is below 95."

Taking care of your car

The best way to keep your car at optimal function so you don't get stranded is regular checkups for battery life, proper fluid levels and tire pressure, said Bob Rowley, owner of Homewood Garage in Frankfort.

"If you maintain your car, it should be in good shape," Rowley said. "You should warm it up about five to 15 minutes before driving it. When it's cold, the oil gets real thick and stiff; nothing wants to move."

Just in case, Rowley advises stocking your car with food and water, jumper cables and a blanket. Craig Gervais, owner of Craig's Auto Repair in Frankfort, added a few more necessary items: kitty litter for traction if you do get stuck, a snow scraper to keep windows and wiper blades clean, charged cell phone battery, and a tank full of gas.

"Today in Portage Indiana, people were stuck in the snow on the I-94," Gervais said. "A full tank of gas gets you more security."

Gervais also advises a tune-up at 100,000 miles and avoiding overloading your car's trunk. "You want to keep your weight equalized," Gervais said. "People often add sandbags to the back of their truck to get more traction, but it changes the braking characteristics of their car."

Taking care of your house

Cold weather dangers lurk at home, too, so it pays to be vigilant. Have your furnace inspected if you haven't already done so and install fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors said Dennis Merz, fire prevention officer at Frankfort Fire Protection District.

If using space heaters for additional warmth, give them plenty of room. Keep them away from curtains, walkways and children's play areas. Turn them off when you leave the room. Although the newer space heaters are UL tested—be sure it has that label—and much safer than space heaters of the past, they can still cause a fire if tipped over, Merz said.

However, if your furnace quits working, especially in the middle of the night, don't ride out the cold by turning your oven on high and opening the door. You're risking carbon monoxide poisoning, Merz said. Call a 24-hour heating and cooling company and seek shelter with family, friends or neighbors.

Finally, don't forget senior citizens and your four-footed friends. "During a cold snap, check on the elderly and neighbors that can't get out," Merz said. "And don't keep your pets outside that long. Limit their time outdoors just like you would for yourself."