Don’t Get Caught in the Cold. Atrium Health Navicent Physicians Offer Tips to Keep You Safe

Atrium Health Navicent physicians offer winter weather preparedness tips for families

It may have been a warm winter season so far, but several cold days still may be in centralGeorgia’s future before spring. Atrium Health Navicent physicians want to make sure you and your family are prepared for inclement weather.

“Winter weather can be unpredictable,” said Dr. John Wood, medical director for the Emergency Center at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center and chief of staff for Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center. “If you see that inclement weather is in the near future, prepare early. Do not wait until the last minute.”

Keeping the family safe

It’s important for parents to ensure their children are dressed warmly when preparing to go outside or travel in winter weather. Be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination and dress appropriately. Babies, especially, require thoughtful consideration when planning their clothing, and careful monitoring for signs they are too cold. Your baby is too cold if they have mottled skin and blueish hands and feet.

“Your baby will need one thick layer, or one thin layer more than you. This would be a sweater for your baby if you are wearing a T-shirt, or maybe even a light blanket or a cover over the stroller, but not both,” said Dr. Christy Peterson, an Atrium Health Navicent pediatrician. Remember to take your baby’s hat and coat off when you go back inside and when you put the baby in a car seat, which is not designed to be used with bulky coats.

“It is possible to dress your baby too warmly,” Peterson said. “A sleeping baby that is too warm is at risk for sudden infant death syndrome.”

Experts offer the following tips for staying safe and warm at home and while traveling.

In the home

• Have a qualified HVAC service check your heating system before cold weather sets in.

• Check the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order.

• Have flashlights and extra batteries handy. Candles can be dangerous if left burning.

• If you use a space heater, be sure to keep it at least three feet away from walls, curtains and other flammable materials. Kerosene heaters can be dangerous and are not recommended indoors.

• Use care around fireplaces and wood stoves. Have both inspected annually by a professional.

• Ensure your emergency kit is up-to-date and contains food, water, medication, money, work gloves, a flashlight with extra batteries, a crank radio, blankets and a small shovel. Do not forget your pet’s food and water needs. If there are infants and toddlers in the home, be sure to include items like diapers and formula.

• Create a buddy system with neighbors and check on each other in the event of adverse winter weather. In the car

• Make sure your car battery is properly charged and fluids are topped off.

• Fill your tank up with gas at the beginning of your trip.

• Always have jumper cables in your car just in case your vehicle breaks down.

• Replace all dirty filters, including fuel, air, PCV and others.

• Check your car’s heater system to ensure it’s working properly, and that the window defroster works.

• Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes items such as boots, gloves, blankets, water, snacks, medications, an additional car charger and other essentials. No matter where you are this winter, there is the chance that a loved one could find themselves in trouble if they get too cold.

“If someone is shivering uncontrollably, is less responsive, confused or difficult to awaken, you should seek care,” Wood said.

If you or a loved one are experiencing concerning symptoms after prolonged exposure to winter weather, seek appropriate medical treatment. For emergency situations, call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency center. Atrium Health Navicent offers emergency care at the following locations:

• Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital (888 Pine St., Macon)

• Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center (770 Pine St., Macon)

• Atrium Health Navicent Peach Emergency Department (1960 Hwy 247 Connector, Byron)

• Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin (821 North Cobb St., Milledgeville)

• Monroe County Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent Partner (88 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Forsyth)

• Putnam General Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent Partner (101 Greensboro Road, Eatonton)

For non-life-threatening injuries, visit your nearest urgent care provider. Atrium Health Navicent provides urgent care at three Macon-Bibb County locations.