Surviving Warren's upcoming cold weather

  • Published
  • By Melissa Morgan
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Guess what state is the safest when it comes to weather-related disasters like tornados, floods, hurricanes or blizzards? Nope, it's not Wyoming. According to the National Weather Service, it's Massachusetts. 

However, people in Wyoming are 80 times more likely to die in winter weather than folks back East. So, unless you're planning a big move in the next couple of weeks, the worst winter months are still ahead. 

March and April see the most snow, which creates weather changes over night, catching people off guard. It can be 60 degrees and sunshine one day and well below freezing with blizzard conditions the next. As a result, these two months are the deadliest. 

By knowing the health risks involved, extending the winter wardrobe a few weeks and taking prudent precautions when traveling, people can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a statistic in 2007. 

Even though the coldest months of the year have passed, health risks caused by cold weather, such as hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot, begin to take effect at 30 degrees. 

Hypothermia is the worst threat and generally occurs in three stages. The first stage is characterized by heavy shivering and a loss of coordination. Next comes incoherency and apathy. The final stage results in a loss of consciousness as the heart slows to three beats per minute, a complete loss of core body temperature and, finally, death.
Frostbite is an indication that the body is fighting hypothermia. In order to maintain core body temperature, blood flow is reduced to the extremities, such as fingers, toes, nose and ears. Symptoms include discoloration of skin, numbness, tingling or intense pain. If hypothermia and frostbite are present, hypothermia is more life-threatening and should be addressed first. 

Trench foot is caused by the combination of damp and cold, and it is named for the experience of Soldiers involved in trench warfare. It is characterized by numbness, swelling and a red or blue hue in the affected area. Trench foot can occur while skiing if ski boots allow feet to sweat and then freeze. If treated quickly and properly, a full recovery is possible. 

Some are more vulnerable to cold weather than others. Overall health, age, body composition and diet can make people more or less susceptible to freezing weather. Cigarettes or other tobacco products, alcohol and caffeine increase individual vulnerability to winter weather. 

The great equalizer is clothing. Because wind chill is a factor across the Wyoming plains, layering is a key component of proper apparel and in Cheyenne, a windbreaker should be one of those layers. Layers should be well-fitting and not too tight, and the clothing closest to the skin should pull moisture away from the body. 

It is important to be properly dressed and to outfit cars with winter survival essentials. When someone is traveling more than a few miles outside of town, they should take three days worth of food and water for every passenger in the vehicle. Other safe items to keep in the car are blankets, extra clothes, a radio, candles and a small camp shovel to keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow if stuck. Also, have a fully charged cell phone handy. 

Even if the vehicle doesn't have the items listed above, stay with the car in an emergency. One of the most common causes of death during a snow storm is people leaving the safety of their vehicle and seeking help. 

"If you do become stranded, it is important to keep a positive attitude. If you start thinking gloom and doom, gloom and doom are going to happen," said Tech. Sgt. Jerry Fenwick, 90th Space Wing Safety Office. 

While we may hope that winter is nearing an end, and the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil may agree, just remember, his shadow wasn't cast on Wyoming soil. According to Cheyenne statistics, the worst is yet to come. 

Be prepared.