How to Dress to Avoid Hypothermia

The most basic prevention of hypothermia lies in wearing the correct clothing to protect you. If you expect to be in cold or extreme weather conditions, you should dress properly to help avoid exposure to temperatures that could lead to hypothermia.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clothing that wicks moisture
• Silk or wool layers
• Jacket
• Hat
• Windbreaker
• Dry clothing
• Extra socks

Avoid Hypothermia With the Proper Dress

1. Wear a hat or cover up your head. This is the single most important factor in dressing to avoid hypothermia. The head releases a greater amount of heat than any other part of your body, meaning it should be kept warm. Nothing can stop the head from releasing body heat completely, but a hat will at least reduce the amount of heat released.

2. Keep your clothes dry. It's always a good idea to remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm clothes. Pack a couple of extra pairs of socks that you can quickly change into should your shoes and socks become wet.

3. Choose special clothing that wicks moisture from the body if you are planning on exercising or spending a long time in cold weather. You can find this clothing at most sporting goods and athletic stores.

4. Choose a windbreaker or other overcoat that can block the wind. Wind can cause you to chill and lose body heat, which may lead to hypothermia.

5. Dress in layers. Several warm layers will not only create insulation for you to stay warm, but will also allow you to remove a layer if you heat up. Silk, nylon and wool are generally believed to provide warmth faster than cotton.

6. Pack you gloves if you plan on being in cold temperatures for long periods of time. Adequate hand coverage can help you avoid hypothermia.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to regulate what your children are wearing. The younger they are, the less likely they are to care about the cold weather around them or have the knowledge to dress appropriately.
• When layering clothing, make sure that each piece of clothing is larger then the piece below it. There should be a minimal amount of airspace between each layer.
• Make sure your outer layer, usually a coat, has enough room to fit over your other layers, while providing the ability to cinch it during rougher conditions.
• Avoid overly constricting wrist bands, socks and shoes which might cut off circulation and cause your body temperature to drop.

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