With snow expected to fall this weekend, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano offers outdoor winter safety tips to avoid some of winter’s woes.

Dress for the Season:
Winter has arrived and you should dress accordingly.

1. Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator.
2. Always wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat can be lost through an uncovered head.
3. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
4. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.

Physical Exertion:
Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increases the risk of a heart attack. To avoid problems, remember these tips:

1. Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
2. Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
3. If you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek help immediately.

Hypothermia:
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children and the elderly. Watch for these symptoms:

1. Inability to concentrate.
2. Poor coordination.
3. Slurred speech. 4. Drowsiness.
5. Exhaustion.
6. Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering.

If the persons’ body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately! Wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.

Frostbite:
People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not even know it. There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these danger signs:

1. First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
2. If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with something warm and dry. Never rub it!
3. Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.