Last year I made a decision to move from the Midwest – where I’ve lived my entire life – to the Deep South. When I told family, friends and co-workers that, after much thought, I was going to take a chance and try life in a new state, a common response was, “You’re so lucky to be moving where it’s warm!”
And then in December, while I was still unpacking boxes in my new home, the polar vortex that struck the Midwest made its way to my area, bringing bone-chilling temperatures. It was startling to see how many people, local businesses and municipalities – unaccustomed to dangerously cold weather – simply weren’t prepared to deal with it.
And it could happen again: Although things warmed up and this area is now experiencing higher than average temperatures, we have more than two months of winter left.
All of this was on my mind when, early in the new year, Associate Editor Barry Bottino and I talked about article topics for the February issue of Safety+Health. I appreciated how quickly he agreed to do some research, get in touch with a safety expert and pull together a piece on working during cold weather. Check out the tips – which range from wearing lots of layers to drinking lots of water.
If you’re a safety pro who lives and works in an area that routinely experiences winter weather, I hope you’ll find the article a helpful refresher that you can share with the people you protect. If you live where cold temperatures are a rare occurrence, I hope you’ll agree that the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
And wherever you call home, please stay safe. Your work makes a difference.
The opinions expressed in “Editor’s Note” do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.
