New York State Department of Health Urges New Yorkers to Follow Winter Safety Tips

Department Provides Cold Weather Tips to Keep Residents Safe

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 15, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is urging New Yorkers to take precautions for winter to prevent serious injury and dangerous health complications that can result from colder weather and winter activities.

"Winter can be a wonderful time to enjoy festivities and outdoor activities with loved ones, but can also become dangerous without preparation and caution," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Dress appropriately to prevent frostbite, keep generators outdoors, away from windows and doors, and never leave space heaters running unattended. And road conditions can be hazardous, so make sure you have supplies in your car if you're stranded."

The Department provides several cold weather tips to keep New Yorkers safe.

Cold weather conditions can be life-threatening and cause hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia is a dangerous cooling of body temperature that can be fatal if not detected and treated over time. Those most at risk are infants, older adults and those who work or play outdoors. Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, fatigue, drowsiness, exhaustion, blue skin and or numbness, confusion, disorientation, memory loss, slurred speech and a glassy stare. Infants may appear to have very low energy and cold, bright red skin.

Frostbite can occur with little warning. Frostbite causes numbness and red, waxy-looking skin. Symptoms can come on so quickly that individuals suffering from frostbite may be unaware and remain in cold conditions, which increases the chance of permanent damage to body tissue. People with diabetes and those intoxicated by alcohol or drug use can be especially susceptible to frostbite.

Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by layering clothing to avoid the loss of body heat, wearing hats, gloves, and boots and replacing wet clothing with dry clothes and blankets to warm up as soon as possible.

Cold weather can also place an extra burden on the heart and lungs. People with heart problems, breathing disorders like asthma, or high blood pressure should follow their doctor's advice about shoveling or strenuous outdoor exercise. Healthy adults should also dress appropriately for cold weather and work slowly when undertaking heavy outdoor chores to avoid potential problems.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill a person before they are aware it is present. Reduce the risk of CO poisoning by having heating systems inspected annually to ensure they are running safely. Install CO alarms in homes and check the batteries twice a year. Fireplaces, wood stoves, and portable kerosene heaters should be vented to the outside. Check vents to the outside regularly to make sure they are not blocked with snow or ice. Never run cars, trucks, or motorcycles inside a garage attached to a house – or in a detached garage with the door shut. Outdoor stoves and grills should never be used indoors, and never use your oven or stove for heat.

CO deaths are entirely preventable. Early signs of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, or confusion. CO poisoning should be suspected if these symptoms occur or worsen soon after turning on a fuel-burning device. If CO poisoning is suspected, have everyone leave the area and get fresh air immediately and call 911.

The 2024-2025 Home Energy Assistance Program's Clean and Tune benefit provides up to $500 in funding to eligible households for cleaning of primary heating equipment, chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $500. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

Driving conditions can also be challenging during winter weather, with snow and ice affecting visibility and road surfaces. Before heading out, check the weather forecast and media reports for storm warnings or road hazards along the way and at destinations. Drivers can also check for travel alerts and road conditions by viewing the traffic cameras at sites such as 511NY.org.

The Department wants to ensure that all New Yorkers remain safe as they enjoy the winter months.

Cold Weather Tips can be found here.

Additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia can be found here.

Information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be found here.

Information on the proper use of generators can be found here.

Safe Winter Driving Tips can be found here.

Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding Safety for children can be found here.

Information on Ice Safety can be found here.