Winter Safety
Combat the Cold
The MHS recognizes December as Winter Safety Month and wants all service members and their families to stay warm and safe this winter. This means being aware of severe winter conditions at home and in theater.
Winter Safety Month's purpose is to educate service members and their families on hypothermia, frostbite and precautions they can take when planning outdoor activities in winter weather.
Use the resources below to "combat the cold" this winter!
Resources Across the MHS and Its Partners
From Around the MHS
Department of Defense and Beyond
 | Air Force Safety Center -2009's winter safety campaign (campaign not available as of October) |
 | Army Fall/Winter Safety Program - 2009’s Fall and Winter Safety Campaign reaffirms the Army’s commitment to protecting our Band of Brothers and Sisters by urging all soldiers, civilians and family members to prepare for cold-weather activities through education and information. |
 | Naval Safety Center Fall/Winter Safety Campaign - This resource guide has some great winter checklists, saftey tips and articles. |
 | Hooah4Health – Seasonal Resources - Find fall and winter safety resources and hints. |
 | Military OneSource -Military OneSource is a one-stop, 24/7 resource for service members and their families. Check out the following articles on protecting yourself in the winter: |
More Information
 | American Red Cross: Winter Storm Safety Checklist - Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, winddriven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain. Use this resource to understand what you need to do before, during and after a winter weather event. |
 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Winter Weather - Be prepared for the challenges of winter weather. Preventive action is your best defense against health and safety hazards in any season.
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 | Consumer Product Safety Commission: Avoid Carbon Monoxide During Winter Months - Learn more about how to protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poision during the cold winter months. |
 | FEMA: Winter Storms and Extreme Cold - During the winter, heavy snows, icy conditions and dangerously cold temperatures can occur at any time. Use this resource to protect you and your loved ones from the effects of harsh winter weather. |
 | National Library of Medicine MedLinePlus: Hypothermia - In cold weather, your body may lose heat faster than you can produce it. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly. |
 | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA): Winter Weather Safety and Awareness - Be safe in winter weather by using up-to-date forecasts and winter weather preparedness. |
 | Checklist and Tips for Safe Winter Driving: Stay safe while traveling with these winter driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. |
 | Washington Military Department of Emergency Management Division Winter Preparedness Campaign - This page provides safety information about various winter weather conditions and related hazards from the State of Washington in a variety of languages. |