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Stay Safe: Dress Properly for Cold Weather

Staff Report / Brightonlocal.org

**Proper Cold Weather Dressing Is Essential to Stay Safe**

As temperatures continue to drop, preparing for cold weather is crucial to staying warm and avoiding risks such as hypothermia. The National Weather Service and local sources, including Brighton Fire in Brighton, Colorado, emphasize the importance of appropriate clothing when spending time outside during the cold months.

### Layering for Warmth:

The key to staying warm in cold weather lies in layering your clothing depending on the temperature conditions. Below are recommendations based on the levels of cold:

- **Chilly Weather:** Wear 1 to 2 layers. Include a long base layer and an outer layer to protect against wind and rain. Make sure to wear warm, dry shoes to keep your feet dry.

- **Cold Weather:** Opt for 2–3 layers. Add gloves and waterproof boots to ensure your extremities remain warm and dry.

- **Extreme Cold:** Wear 3 or more layers with good insulating properties, including a face mask to protect exposed skin. Layer your gloves and ensure your outer clothing layer is windproof. Waterproof materials are recommended for the outermost and additional layers for extra protection.

### Protecting Your Body in Windy Conditions:

The average body temperature is 98.6°F, but exposure to cold, particularly with wind, can quickly lead to heat loss. In calm conditions, the body radiates heat, and a thin insulating layer of warmth forms around the skin. However, when wind is present, it disrupts this shield, and body heat is lost more quickly. Hypothermia can begin if the body temperature drops to 95°F, making precautions even more critical.

### Safety Reminder:

The Brighton Fire Department encourages everyone to limit outdoor exposure in frigid conditions. If venturing outside is unavoidable, cover as much skin as possible to prevent frostbite and unnecessary heat loss. Staying indoors is recommended when temperatures or wind conditions are severe.

For more tips and information, visit [weather.gov/winter](http://weather.gov/winter).

Source: Brighton Fire

Source Type: Fire

Source Location: Brighton

Jan 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM

Fire