Did you miss out on our December Newsletter?... No worries!

Some topics we covered were:

• The "Snowflake Man" 
• A Ski Landscape Christmas Story
• What is windchill?

If you missed out and want to read more check it out here: Ski Landscape December Newsletter

Ever notice that you “feel” colder in the winter if the wind is blowing? This is due to the windchill effect. It combines the cooling effect of temperature and wind which then drives down the “perceived” temperature. As the wind speed increases, it draws the heat from the body causing skin temperature and, eventually, internal body temperatures to do down. The wind is not changing the temperature of the air it’s changing the temperature of your body. For example: a temperature of 0° F and a wind speed of 15 mph will produce a windchill temperature of -19°. Under these conditions, exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes.

Our body keeps a “buffer” or think layer of air next to our skin to help regulate our body temperature of 98.6°F. A strong wind can disrupt this buffer layer making us feel colder, potentially leading to hypothermia, frostbite or death.

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops too low causing uncontrollable shivering, disorientation and incoherence. Get medical attention immediately. If you can’t get help quickly:

• Begin warming the body SLOWLY. Warm the core first, NOT the extremities which drives the cold blood to the heart and could cause the body temperature to drop further leading to heart failure.
• Help the person get into dry clothing and wrap in a warm blanket. Be sure to cover the head and neck.
• DO NOT give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee or any HOT beverage or food.                                           

Frostbite is caused by freezing of the skin and underlining tissues. The most susceptible parts of the body are fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. If you experience loss of feeling in the extremities and develop white or pale appearance seek medical attention immediately. The area should be SLOWLY rewarmed using warm, not hot, water.
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Windchill Safety Tips

• Listen to the weather station. A windchill warning is issued when windchill temperatures are life threatening. Windchill advisories are issued when temperatures are potentially hazardous.
• Where there is low windchill, cover exposed flesh especially face and hands. Try to cover you mouth to protect your lungs. Mittens are better than gloves.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing as the layers will trap air and provide insulation. Your outer shell should be water-repellent and hooded.
• Always wear a hat.