'Be Prepared' for Winter Safety -
Don't Get Left
Out in the C.O.L.D.

IRVING, Texas, Dec. 5, 2003: Most people think of the winter as the time to sit by the fireplace, watch football and relax. However, many others stay active by camping, skiing and participating in winter sports. For them, the Boy Scouts of America reminds that safety can't take a back seat to having fun outdoors.

Safety Tips from the Boy Scouts of America

The most common errors people make during cold weather activities include:

• Not eating the right kinds of foods;
• Not drinking enough water;
• Not having adequate clothing and being unaware of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

"When spending extended periods of time outside in cold weather, remember to practice good nutrition to help 'build the fire within,'" says Dave Bates, experienced outdoorsman and head of the Boy Scouts of America's Camping Service. "Food consumption should include sugars, which act like a fire starter; carbohydrates and proteins, which act as kindling, and fats, which produce energy to keep the fire burning and your body running at peak performance. Additionally, stay away from caffeinated drinks such as sodas, coffee and tea, and drink plenty of plain water or sports drinks to stay hydrated."

"'Being prepared' isn't just for Scouts -- proper planning is the critical first step for any outdoor activity," continues Bates. "Before embarking on your next cold weather outing, don't forget to pack a positive attitude, pace yourself and warm up to these easy-to-remember, but often over looked safety tips."

Bates recommends following these tips if you are going to spend a lot of time outside in the C.O.L.D. this winter. TOP

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR THE C-O-L-D

• C - Clean. Insulation is only effective when heat is trapped by dead air spaces, so keep insulating layers clean and fluffy. Dirt, grime and perspiration can block air spaces and reduce warmth.
   

• O - Overheating. Stay comfortably cool by adjusting clothing layers to match outdoor temperatures, and your level of physical exertion. Drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeinated drinks that act as diuretics.
   

• L - Loose Layers. Steady blood flow helps keep your entire body heated. Wear loosely fitting layers and footgear that will allow maximum insulation without impeding your circulation. Brightly- colored clothing (orange or red) will make you more visible in ice and snow. Always wear a hat.
   

• D - Dry. Sweaty, damp clothing and skin can cause your body to cool too quickly, possibly leading to frostbite or hypothermia. Keep dry by avoiding cotton clothes that absorb moisture. Always brush-off snow before entering heated areas. Loosen clothing around the neck so that body heat and moisture can escape instead of soaking through your layers. TOP

Additional winter outdoor tips include:

1. Prepare for icy temperatures. Wear bright, thermal layers. When hands and feet begin to chill, it's time to put on a hat. Hats prevent body heat from escaping through your head. Wear suitable shoes for walking on frozen ground or ice, and don't forget mittens, gloves and scarves/neck warmers.
    

2. Find Supplies for campfires. Find tinder and wood necessary for starting and maintaining a campfire, prior to sun down.
    

3. Know the area. Thoroughly research the area where you are planning to go, or go with someone familiar with the terrain. Be mindful of potential avalanche areas or unstable ice.
    

4. Travel with a buddy. Groups of four to ten are best. Should a problem arise, such as injury or hypothermia, someone can stay with the injured person(s), while others seek help.
    

5. Watch for Frostbite & Hypothermia. Frostbite occurs when the areas around the eyes and lips, or the lips themselves, turn grayish white. Signs of confusion, inaction and shivering are all progressive signs of hypothermia. If you get cold, huddle up or sit by the fire. Action and movement stimulate blood flow, and distribute warmth throughout the body.

Source: Boy Scouts of America