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How to Prevent Hypothermia

Weather is notoriously fickle. If you aren't prepared for cold conditions, loss of vital body heat may lead to a dangerous drop in your internal temperature, or hypothermia. A body temperature of 95 F or lower represents hypothermia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Dressing appropriately significantly reduces your risk for hypothermia.

Things You'll Need

  • Moisture-wicking undergarments and socks
  • Moisture-wicking, base-layer shirt and pants
  • Wool sweater or fleece top
  • Waterpoof jacket
  • Waterproof pants
  • Waterproof hat
  • Waterproof mittens or gloves
  • Waterproof footwear
  • Water
  • Food
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Instructions

  1. Dressing

    • 1

      Layer your clothing, which creates pockets of warm air around your body that help maintain your temperature. For the innermost layer of clothing -- the base layer -- choose garments made of moisture-wicking fabrics. These fabrics pull moisture away from your skin, preventing heat loss. Put on a moisture-wicking shirt, pants, socks and undergarments.

    • 2

      Put on a wool sweater or loose-fitting fleece top over your base shirt. This layer of clothing provides insulation to help you retain body heat.

    • 3

      Wear waterproof pants over your base-layer pants to avoid getting wet. Wet clothing causes rapid loss of body heat.

    • 4

      Finish dressing by wearing a waterproof jacket. The jacket is your outer shell to protect you from wind and moisture, which rob you of body heat.

    • 5

      Wear a waterproof hat, footwear and mittens or gloves to protect your head, feet and hands. These areas of the body are particularly susceptible to cold conditions.

    General Measures

    • 6

      Drink water to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration helps maintain good circulation and heat distribution throughout your body. Avoid alcoholic and caffienated beverages, which may contribute to the development of hypothermia.

    • 7

      Eat plenty of food to supply your body with sufficient calories to maintain your body heat. Carbohydrate-containing foods are a good option because they are quickly absorbed and metabolized. Eat small amounts frequently.

    • 8

      Remove wet clothing as soon as possible. Heat loss increases 5-fold if your clothes are wet, markedly increasing your risk for hypothermia.

    • 9

      Seek shelter as soon as possible if you begin to shiver or experience tingling in your hands or feet. These are early warning signs of the possible development of hypothermia.

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