The American Red Cross advises the people of Illinois 
to follow winter weather safety rules. 

Do you know how to protect yourself from potentially 
life threatening situations that arise with hazardous 
winter weather? If not, now is the perfect time to 
prepare yourself and your family before you are left 
out in the cold. For free brochures on winter weather 
precautions, contact your local Red Cross chapter today.

The cold winters in Illinois are sometimes, quite literally, 
bone chilling. If you are out in the cold and notice 
dizziness, numbness, confusion, and impaired vision, you 
may have hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to the cold can 
lead to this life threatening condition, which causes your 
body temperature to fall well below normal. 

To treat someone with hypothermia, call 9-1-1 or your 
local emergency medical system, and move them to a warmer 
place. Give the victim warm liquids rather than hot, and 
avoid alcohol. Warm the body core first with warm blankets. 
Contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information 
on cold weather first aid.