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The Henry and Stark County Health Department offers area residents some
important winter survival strategies. These safety tips can help us all to
get through the new year happy, healthy, and safe.
On the road. Use your low beam headlights when driving through fog or
snowstorms. They will actually provide better visibility than high beams.
And be prepared for breakdowns with emergency flares, warm blanket,
first-aid kit, white cloth to signal distress, flashlight, snow shovel,
empty gas can, and for long trips, food and water.
At home. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas and a by-product of
combustion, is an invisible killer. Possible sources include: wood-burning
stoves, fireplaces, kerosene, gas or oil heaters and furnaces. For your
protection: Assure proper ventilation, have these devices inspected and
consider installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Under the sun. Sunburns aren't limited to summer. Fact is, sunlight in
winter can burn, especially when reflected off ice or snow. So when skiing
or otherwise enjoying the outdoors, wear sunglasses that protect your eyes
against ultraviolet light, and spread sunscreen on exposed skin, including
your lips.
Overexposed. Watch for frostbite or hypothermia, and seek help without
delay if you suspect either. Danger signs for frostbite: redness, tingling,
stinging pain or small white patches on the skin. For hypothermia:
uncontrollable shivering, sleepiness, shallow breathing. Remember, alcohol
increases loss of body heat, so avoid its use when you plan to be outdoors
for a long time.
For more information on the services of the Henry and Stark County
Health Department call (309) 852-0197 (Main Office), (309) 792-4011 (Colona
Office), (309) 852-3115 (Stark), visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.org or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.
