How To Keep Safe During A Harsh New England Winter

This article is not medical advice.

Winters in New England are notoriously harsh, and locals should try to do everything they can to stay safe in dangerously low temperatures and precarious weather conditions.

From understanding the signs of hypothermia to avoiding slips and falls on ice, here’s what every Boston resident should know about staying safe in cold temperatures this winter.

Avoid Slips And Falls

Winter in Boston usually comes with ice. Thankfully, there are some precautions to take to avoid slips and falls on ice. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as the weather gets icier.

1. Check the weather a day in advance, especially when planning travel. Staying aware of impending inclement weather is the first step in being prepared. Boston gets an average of 48 inches of snowfall each year, compared with the United States average of 28, and the average low temperatures stay below freezing throughout the winter. When possible, plan when you will be driving and where you’ll be when ice is expected. When road icing is expected, remember to give yourself extra time. If you’re out in a snowstorm, there’s always a chance roads will become slick and ice over as temperatures freeze the precipitation.

2. Keep entryways clear. Homes are a refuge from rain, snow and sleet in the winter, but entryways tend to become potentially dangerous slip-and-fall zones. Ensure you have doormats or cubbies nearby to keep shoes from tracking in snow and moisture, to avoid creating puddles in your home.

3. Wear the right footwear. While it’s an especially hard ask for those attending fancy holiday parties, the right footwear can mean the difference between a wonderful night of food and friends or a trip to the ER. Wearing rubber-soled shoes or boots with grips ensures more traction than those with plastic or leather heels.

Know The Signs Of Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when your body has prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and begins to lose heat faster than it produces it, and it can occur both in cold and cool temperatures (above 40°F). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the key symptoms of hypothermia as the following:

• A temperature under 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Shivering.
• Exhaustion.
• Confusion.
• Memory loss.
• Slurred speech.

If hypothermia sets in, there are several ways to help a person recover. The main goal is to get their temperature back to normal at a gradual rate. Remove any wet clothing, get the person to a warm and dry room, focus on warming the center of their body, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Heat Your Home Safely

During a winter storm, practicing safety also includes using your home’s heating system properly. Though it can be tempting to get warm any way possible, avoid the following:

• Turning on your stove to get warm.
• Burning paper in a fireplace.
• Switching out the designated fuel that your heater is designed to use for something else.
• Using a space heater with a frayed or damaged cord.

Instead, make sure to use these proper home heat safety practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including:

• Turning to extra blankets, sleeping bags, portable space heaters or gas fireplaces if the power goes out.
• Choosing electric space heaters without glowing elements and placing them far enough away from combustible items, such as furniture, drapes, rugs, etc.
• Having proper ventilation in and around kerosene heaters.
• Never covering space heaters or placing them near water while in use.
• Making sure children aren’t left unattended near space heaters.
• Never covering space heater cords with rugs.
• Avoiding plugging a space heater into an extension cord.

Staying warm during winter storms is critical — especially if the power goes out — but this should be done safely and without creating the potential for injury or harm.

Dress Warm And Stay Dry

Babies, adults and the elderly have different needs when it comes to dressing warmly, so it’s important to know the difference for the safety of loved ones living with you. Here’s what the CDC recommends:

1. Babies should never sleep in a cold room. They lose body heat much more quickly and easily than adults. Layering pillows and blankets in a crib, in an effort to provide warmth, can be deadly as they both can lead to an increased risk of smothering and sudden infant death syndrome. Instead, dress babies in footed pajamas or sleep sacks and keep your home warm. If your child is still cold, you can use your own body heat to warm them. However, be sure to take precautions to not roll over or smother your baby if you happen to fall asleep.

2. Adults should dress for the weather. Often, people underestimate the cold they can handle, and they should be aware of how hypothermia can set in. Wear gloves and socks, and carry extra blankets in a vehicle in case of emergency.

3. Older people require more warmth. Older people tend to generate less body heat than younger adults. For folks 65 and older who live alone, it’s important to have their heating system checked before the winter to make sure it’s working properly. During the winter, the heat should be used consistently in addition to having a plethora of blankets and warm clothes.

Know Your Winter Weather Terms — And How To Prepare

Do you know the difference between a winter weather advisory and a winter storm warning? When watching the local news or weather, be sure you understand what the advisories, watches and warnings mean, according to Ready.gov.

Winter Storm Warning

The National Weather Service issues these warnings when heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the weather is expected to begin, winter storm warnings are important to heed and plan around.

Winter Storm Watch

“Watches” are general alerts to notify the public of the potential for a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet. Issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a storm, winter storm watches help the public plan ahead and get prepared.

Winter Weather Advisory

Advisories are a step below “watches” and are issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet, which could cause significant inconveniences. Though winter weather is typically not as intense during an “advisory,” it’s still important to use caution when going outside or traveling on the road during precipitation and icy conditions.

Take Advantage Of Telehealth

With GoodRx Care, there’s no need to brave the cold winter weather to speak with a doctor or refill your prescriptions. This convenient online health platform allows you to schedule an appointment with a licensed medical professional for a wide range of reasons, from wellness visits to flu treatment. You can complete your appointment from the comfort and safety of your home, which can be helpful during a Boston winter storm.

If your doctor prescribes medication, the GoodRx app can help you get your prescriptions for up to 80 percent less by comparing prices at local pharmacies. Visit goodrx.com today to get started.

Looking for the best deals on medications you need this winter? Simply enter your medication name into GoodRx's website or mobile app to compare prices and save money at pharmacies in your area.