Winter Safety and Wellness Tips

Stay warm, stay alert, and prevent winter mishaps with simple precautions for a safer season

ChillaiKalan in Kashmir is not merely a season but an experience that requires preparedness, care, and respect for nature's power. To safely enjoy this season while appreciating its beauty, keep the following essential precautions in mind:

Health Precautions

Stay Warm:

Do: Wear multiple layers of warm clothing, including thermal innerwear, woolen sweaters, insulated jackets, warm pheran, caps, mufflers, and gloves.

Don’t: Ignore frostbite symptoms like numbness or pale skin on fingers and toes.

Prevent Hypothermia:

Do: Stay indoors during extreme cold spells and use heaters or traditional kangris responsibly.

Don’t: Overuse kerosene or coal heaters in poorly ventilated rooms, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Avoid overheating your body as it may make you more prone to exposure.

Boost Immunity:

Do: Consume nutrient-rich foods, including dry fruits, fresh vegetables, and traditional warming drinks like kehwa. Sundried vegetables are not inherently bad, but before consuming them, ensure they are free from fungal contamination to avoid health risks.

Don’t: Eat rotten foods and vegetables.

Take Care of Winter-related Ailments:

Do: Watch out for chilblains (shuhu in Kashmiri) and use appropriate care. Monitor respiratory ailments, hypertension, heart diseases, pneumonia, and stroke in the elderly, which rise sharply during winter.

Don’t: Ignore flu symptoms like those caused by influenza or RSV infections. Use a mask and isolate if someone has a cold. Viral infections are often self-limiting, but contact a doctor if symptoms worsen.

Manage Mental Health:

Do: Stay active and engage in social interactions to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Don’t: Ignore feelings of depression or lethargy; seek help if needed.

Stay Hydrated:

Do: Drink plenty of warm fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or soups, to maintain hydration and keep the body functioning optimally.

Don’t: Ignore the importance of hydration just because the cold may suppress thirst; dehydration can occur even in winter.

Precautions for Small Children

Keep Warm and Cozy:

Do: Dress children in warm, layered clothing, including thermal innerwear, woolen sweaters, and hats. Ensure they wear mittens, mufflers/ scarves, and warm footwear to protect extremities from the cold.

Don’t: Leave young children exposed to the cold for extended periods, even when playing in the snow.

Monitor for Frostbite and Hypothermia:

Do: Regularly check for signs of frostbite, such as numbness or pale skin, especially on fingers, toes, and ears. If symptoms occur, warm the affected areas gradually and seek medical attention if necessary.

Don’t: Allow children to play outdoors for too long in freezing temperatures without supervision.

Provide Nutrient-Rich Food:

Do: Ensure children are eating warm, nutritious meals that include foods like soups, stews, and milk-based drinks. Make sure they have a variety of fruits and vegetables to boost their immunity.

Don’t: Allow children to consume foods that may have spoiled, as this can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Keep Hydrated:

Do: Encourage children to drink warm fluids like water, herbal teas, or soups to stay hydrated. It's important even if they don't feel thirsty, as the cold air can lead to dehydration.

Don’t: Let children go without fluids for long periods, as they may not feel thirsty in cold weather.

Protect from Respiratory Illnesses:

Do: Protect children from exposure to cold winds and ensure they wear mufflers over their faces to avoid inhaling cold air, which can irritate their lungs. Keep them indoors during extreme weather.

Don’t: Expose children to crowded places or sick individuals, as winter increases the spread of respiratory infections like the flu and RSV.

Home Safety

Ensure Adequate Heating:

Do: Service and inspect heating appliances before winter begins. Maintain indoor temperatures around 20°C.

Don’t: Leave heaters, blowers, oil-filled radiators, or electric hammams on unnecessarily, especially at night. Avoid gas heaters at night as they consume oxygen and can lead to accidents.

Promote Air Circulation:

Do: Encourage regular air changes in rooms to ensure proper ventilation.

Don’t: Seal rooms completely without ensuring fresh air exchange.

Turn Off Appliances:

Do: Always turn off heating appliances before going to sleep.

Prevent Roof Collapses:

Do: Regularly clear snow from rooftops to reduce excessive weight.

Don’t: Attempt to clear snow during heavy storms; wait for safer conditions.

Outdoor Safety

Limit Unnecessary Movement:

Do: Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, especially during severe weather.

Don’t: Venture out during blizzards or heavy snowfall without proper preparation.

Travel with Caution:

Do: Use winter tires and chains if driving. Check weather updates before travel.

Don’t: Take risks on icy or snow-covered roads without adequate precautions.

Watch for Icy Surfaces:

Do: Walk carefully on snow-covered or icy pathways, wearing slip-resistant footwear.

Don’t: Rush or run on icy roads, as this increases the risk of falls.

Community and Social Well-being

Help the Vulnerable:

Do: Check on elderly neighbors and provide assistance if needed.

Don’t: Assume everyone has adequate resources; extend help when possible.

Maintain Communication:

Do: Keep a list of emergency contacts and inform family members about your whereabouts during severe weather.

Don’t: Ignore warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.

Environmental Awareness

Use Resources Wisely:

Do: Conserve firewood and fuel, using them judiciously.

Don’t: Cut trees indiscriminately, as this exacerbates deforestation and environmental degradation.

Dispose of Waste Responsibly:

Do: Clear snow responsibly and avoid blocking drainage paths.

Don’t: Dump waste carelessly, which can lead to blockages and an increased risk of flooding when snow melts.