Safety during extremely cold weather is absolutely a vital ingredient on the farm as temperatures drop further and further, but the work load outside doesn't change.
Extremely cold weather must be handled by being aware of what it can cause and knowing how to dress properly to deal with bitter cold.
Susie Stonner, Public Information Officer for Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Jefferson City, Mo., has answers that all of us can use. Information can be found on a web site at sema.dps.mo.gov.
Stonner shares specific information on several points. Her comments deal with ways clothing can help an individual to be safer and more comfortable in extremely cold weather.
1. “Dress with clothing in proper methods,” Stonner advised.
2. “Layer the clothing. If you get hot, you can take one layer off. If you get cold, you can add another layer.”
3. “Wear thermal underwear with long sleeves, a shirt and a sweater. If you get too hot, take off the sweater. If you get too cold, you can put it on.”
Frostbite can result during extremely cold weather. Susie Stonner offers excellent tips on ways to deal with cold weather conditions.
“Frostbite happens when you are outside,” she explained. “Look for extremely cold or chapped hands. If you have lost feeling in your hands, it is a condition called hypothermia.”
“During winter, older people and younger children are more inclined to get hypothermia. We encourage their family and friends to watch them.”
Stonner said, “When people do have hypothermia, they need to rewarm hands and feet slowly, rather than to warm more of their body.”
“After they are warm, slowly warm the middle part of their body, such as chest, so you will not have circulatory problems. Do this slowly.”
“If you are outside, put your hands under your armpits and stomp your feet to get circulation going again. Also, get inside as soon as possible.”
"National Weather Service has a website that gives wind chill charts. If you have a 20-mph wind and outside temperature is 35 degrees, the wind chill is 24 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“If the outside temperature is minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 20-mph wind, outside temperature wind chill factor is minus 9 degrees.”
Stonner cited what can happen when the outside temperature falls to extreme extent. She said, “According to the National Weather Service, when the outside temperature is extremely low, at 9 degrees, frostbite can occur in 30 minutes.”
“When the outside temperature gets below zero, at -29 degrees, frostbite can occur in 14 minutes or less. You need to wear a hat, a muffler and protect your ears and hands. Wear mittens rather than gloves.”
