OSDH offers tips to stay safe in winter weather

As winter progresses in the area, the Oklahoma State Department of Health offers the following recommendations for cold weather situations.

• Water Safety

If using water that might not be safe to drink or prepare food, vigorously boil the water for at least one minute to prevent potential waterborne illnesses. Safe water would include store-bought bottled water, or uninterrupted city water.

Don’t skate, slide, or sled on frozen ponds, creeks, rivers or lakes. Although the water appears to be frozen, it may not be solid enough to support the weight of a person. Temperatures in Oklahoma are never cold enough to completely freeze recreational water.

• Food Safety


—Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

—Discard any potentially hazardous foods such as meats, eggs, dairy products and leftovers that may have exceeded 41 degrees F. When in doubt, throw it out.

—Frozen foods in a freezer can normally be kept up to 48 hours without power. Again, the 41 degrees F rule applies. A frozen product that has thawed should not be refrozen — it should be used immediately or disposed of. Thawed foods that have not reached 41 degrees F can be cooked and consumed.

• Eat and Drink Wisely

Eating high-energy, well-balanced meals will help people stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic beverages — they cause the body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages such as hot chocolate or sweetened coffee or tea to help maintain body temperature. If someone has dietary restrictions, ask his doctor. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Heating Safety


—Look at the color of the flame. A hot blue flame produces less CO and more heat than a flickering yellow flame. Adjust yellow flames so that the flame is blue.

—Don’t use an unvented gas or kerosene heater in closed spaces, especially sleeping areas.




—If CO poisoning is suspected, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances, and go outside for fresh air. Call 9-1-1 emergency medical services in severe cases.

—To prevent residential fires, make sure that heaters, stoves and fireplaces are at least 3 feet from anything that burns. Use screens in front of fireplaces, and do not leave children alone with space heaters. Never leave candles burning when unattended. If a heater uses fuel like propane or kerosene, use only that kind of fuel and add more fuel only when the heater is cool. Store all fuels outside in closed metal containers.

• Extreme Cold Exposure



—While indoors, try to keep at least one room heated to 70 degrees F.




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