Fact vs. Fiction: Cold Weather Edition

Fact vs. Fiction

Fact: Cold weather doesn't cause the common cold

Have you heard the saying, "put on your coat or you'll catch a cold?" You've likely heard it your whole life and maybe you've even repeated it yourself once or twice. But did you know there's actually very little evidence suggesting cold weather causes illness?

The common cold is caused by a number of viruses that affect the respiratory tract. Most commonly, the common is cold is really a rhinovirus infection, which can also trigger asthma attacks as well as sinus and ear infections.

Although cold weather may not be the reason you catch the common cold, you should still dress warm.

Fiction: You lose body heat from your head and feet

To put it simply, you do not lose heat faster or more easily from your uncovered head and feet. You lose body heat from any exposed part of your body, so ensure that you are bundled up before heading out in the cold.

Fiction: You can only get hypothermia if you're in below freezing temperatures

Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) is a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.

Although hypothermia is most likely to occur at very cold temperatures, if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F), according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Fact: Your body loses heat quickly when wet

Sweat and wet clothing can chill the body rapidly and increase heat loss. If you're actively moving, remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm or start to sweat.

Enjoy running in the cold? Learn the essential tips for running in winter.

Fact: When the time comes, you'll be thankful for any emergency preparedness you did in advance

Before the snow or frozen rain begins to fall, we encourage you to plan ahead. Planning ahead can help you and your family respond quickly and appropriately to whatever Mother Nature sends our way.

Check in regularly with the National Weather Service and take some time now to consider your readiness for winter weather.

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for at home)
• Food: If a winter storm approaches and you're stuck inside your house for days, make sure you have the appropriate food stored for any emergency.
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots

For carbon monoxide safety, never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.

We also have plenty more tips to help you prepare your family for the weather this winter.