Keep the cold out of winter temperatures this season

The weather outside may be frightful, but there are ways to protect against the frigid temperature. Area experts offered tips to keep your car, children and self safe. In the cold Children waiting for the bus should be properly dressed. They should wear hats, mittens, boots, scarves and snowpants. Students shouldn’t wait outside for the bus any longer than necessary. Linda Plamann, Kimball school health aide, said children should be instructed to cover their faces with gloved hands. She also suggested students turn away from the wind or stand beneath a tree. Plamann said consuming a warm drink before leaving the house also helps. “Any time there is something warm in the body, the body temperature [is warmer],” Plamann said. Teenagers driving to school should prepare for the weather by wearing the appropriate clothes. It is also smart to pack blankets, snowpants and boots in case their cars stall. Car care 101 Steven Maus of A M Maus and Son said cars experience more battery problems in cold weather. He said that batteries should be checked if they are more than 4 years old. Maus also said it’s important to check your tires, both the inflation level and treads. He cautioned that tires can lose air in the cold. Poor inflation could make the car more difficult to handle. Low tires are more likely to be punctured. Worn treads give less traction on the road. As a precautionary measure, Maus said spark plugs in cars with 120,000 miles or more should be replaced. Vehicles can also be plugged in during the evening to keep the engine warm. Staying warm To protect yourself, warm clothes should be worn outdoors and extra layers should be packed when driving any distance. Winter safety kits of a coffee can, soup can, candle, bright-colored bandanna, matches and munchies should be packed. If stranded, the kit allows you to light a candle (in the larger can) and melt snow (in the smaller can) to drink. The candle can also provide heat. The bandanna should be tied on the car to alert others you need help and the munchies keep you nourished. Maus added that it is important to pack jumper cables. Kimball police officer Brian Stiles said they offer assistance to stranded motorists. “If we see a car on the side of the road, we will stop to see if they need anything.” Stiles said officers are equipped with cell phones to call for needed help, like a tow. He added that it is good to pack a flashlight. If exposed to cold air for a long time, it is best to come in from the cold, take off wet clothes and warm up slowly. Plamann advised, “It is best to warm up the body slowly.” She recommended placing hands in warm water or putting warm clothes on cheeks. “Don’t rub your skin to get warm, this can do tissue damage. Instead, pat.”