Surviving cold temperatures: 7 health hazards
The winter months can be dangerous. There are several health hazards that can send you to the emergency room.
**Click on video above to see Amy Freeze's winter survival guide**
Here's your list of 7 things to look out for:
#1 SLIPPING ON ICE
It's the top reason people end up in the emergency room with everything from broken ankles to busted teeth.
Here's a tip: salt works best in sunshine. The salt works best in temperatures that are 12 to 32 degrees, but if temps drops to 10 degress or colder, the salt hardly works at all.
#2 SPINNING OUT & SLIDING
Driving can be especially dangerous. If you're facing a spin out, don't hit your brakes!
Take your time and turn into the slide. that moves your wheels into the direction the back of the vehicle is sliding.
#3 CARBON MONOXIDE
Make sure to keep your tail pipe clear or carbon monoxide could fill the car. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer.
#4 SHOVELING INJURIES
It's a startling statistic but about 1500 people every year end up seriously hurt because of shoveling snow.
Learn how to shovel properly in the demonstration below by ABC's Dr. Richard Besser.
#5 WATCH OUT FOR ICICLES AND ICE
Look up. Frozen icicles from roofs and buildings are dangerous especially in the city. Sidewalks may not always be marked with beware of falling ice signs.
#6 FROSTBITE & HYPOTHERMIA
Make sure you layer up and cover up.
Frostbite occurs when skin is exposed. It could lead to permanent damage to your extremities.
Hypothermia happens when the core body temperature goes below 95 degrees.
#7 THIN ICE
Ice thickness can vary. It needs to be several inches thick to support people.
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