The American Red Cross urges winter weather safety. The blustery Cold and blowing snow of an Illinois winter is upon us. Do you know how to protect yourself from life-threatening situations that arise with hazardous weather? If not, now is the perfect time to prepare yourself and your family before you're left out in the cold. For free brochures on winter weather precautions, call your local Red Cross chapter today.

The cold winters in Illinois are sometimes, quite literally, bone chilling! If you are out in the cold and notice dizziness, numbness, confusion, and impaired vision, you may have hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to this life-threatening condition which causes your body temperature to fall below normal, affecting how your body functions. To treat hypothermia, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical system and move to a warmer place. For more information on cold weather first aid, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross or visit www.redcross.org.