Each winter Sioux Falls spends at least a few days below zero (if not more). If you're new to the northern plains or have live here a long time, it's always good to review some super cold weather safety information. Here's some great information from the CDC:

Your Body

When it's super cold it's always best to sat inside somewhere warm, especially if the wind is blowing. But, that's not always possible. If you have to go out in the cold dressing properly is the key.

Adults and children should wear:

  • A hat
  • A scarf  or  knit  mask  to cover face and mouth
  • Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
  • Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
  • Water-resistant coat and boots
  • Several layers  of  loose-fitting clothing

Be  sure  the  outer  layer  of  your  clothing  is  tightly  woven, preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heat loss  caused by  wind.  Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton.

 

Stay dry—wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will  increase  heat  loss,  so  remove  extra  layers  of  clothing whenever you feel too warm. Also, avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. These materials in contact with the skin greatly increase heat loss from the body.

 

Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

Also, avoid exertion if you're working in the cold.Dress warm and work slow. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.
https://twitter.com/SDHighwayPatrol/status/809771587327164417
You can find information on hypothermia and frostbite here: cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe
Your Home
The cold is persistent when it's trying to get in your house. Take a few steps to keep it out and conserve heat.
You may need fresh air coming in for your heater or for
emergency cooking arrangements. However, if you don’t
need extra ventilation, keep as much heat as possible inside
your home. Avoid unnecessary opening of doors or windows.
Close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks
under doors, and close draperies or cover windows with
blankets at night.

Some other tips:
  • Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
  • Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home.
  • Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warmer.
  • Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors—the fumes are deadly.
  • Never use a generator inside the house, in the basement, in the garage, or near a window.
  • Never leave lit candles unattended.
Serious cold might cause your pipes to freeze. Here's a few ideas to try to avoid that, and what to do if they do freeze.

  • Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
  • Keep the indoor temperature warm.
  • Improve the circulation of heated air near pipes. For example, open kitchen cabinet
  • doors beneath the kitchen sink.
  • If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Instead, thaw them slowly by directing the warm air from an electric hair dryer onto the pipes.

Your Car

  • Avoid dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead.
  • Have maintenance service on your vehicle as recommended.
  • Check the antifreeze level.
  • Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

 

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