Dangerously cold air caught the attention of most of the Midwest this week, but even normally cold winter days pose a threat for frostbite and hypothermia.
To stay safe and warm this winter, MayoClinic.org recommends people use the acronym COLD: cover, overexertion, layers, dry.
Cover. Wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Wear mittens, which are more effective than gloves for keeping hands warm.
Overexertion. Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothing and cold weather can cause you to lose body heat more quickly.
Layers. Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing made of tightly woven, water-repellent material is best for wind protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better than cotton does.
Dry. Stay as dry as possible. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible. Be especially careful to keep your hands and feet dry, as it’s easy for snow to get into mittens and boots.
Parents should limit the amount of time children spend outside in the cold, and have children come inside frequently to warm themselves, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children need one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

In the car
A charged cell phone and plenty of gas in the tank are two things every driver should have when venturing out in cold weather, according to AAA automotive service.
AAA provides these cold weather driving tips:
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up and ensure that you have extra “running time” if the weather is unfavorable.
• Be sure you have the proper amount of antifreeze in your vehicle. Antifreeze works to prevent engine block freezing. Also, be sure to check your entire cooling system, including hoses, belts, and radiator; to make sure it is functioning properly.
• If door locks are frozen, be sure to warm the key or use a lock de-icer. Be sure to never combine heat with lock de-icer as it is flammable. Don’t pour warm water on the car as it may re-freeze, making the situation worse; warming your key first will help heat up the lock from the inside.
• Consider winter wiper blades and “no-freeze” windshield washer fluid. Motorists should replace worn wiper blades and always carry extra windshield washer fluid. AAA also recommends not turning your wipers on until they’re clear of ice and snow.
• Be sure your vehicle is fully equipped with a winter driving kit. The most important safety items are a fully charged cellular telephone and emergency road service coverage; small bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, “non-clumping” kitty litter) or traction mats; a small snow shovel; snow brush and ice scraper; flashlight with batteries; windshield washer fluid; cloth or roll of paper towels; booster cables; blanket; protective clothing – heavy gloves, scarf, warm boots; warning devices (triangles); first aid kit.