By Terry James

PONTIAC – Cover up or face the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Hats, gloves, and layers are all important this time of year as cold temperatures prevail. Betsy Pratt with the Red Cross says you also need to think about your pipes.

"Just even a little, tiny trickle can help with that," says Pratt.  "On the other side of conservation of water perhaps not. But, if you've ever had a frozen pipe you'd make sure you keep it running so that they don't freeze."

The Red Cross has issued the following winter weather safety tips.

 
1. Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
2. Know the signs of hypothermia – confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
3. Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
4. Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
5. Avoid frozen pipes – run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.
6. Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
7. Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
8. If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
9. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

Learn how to treat cold weather related emergencies by downloading the free Red Cross First Aid App at redcross.org/apps. More information about winter safety is available on redcross.org.