How Cold is Too Cold to be Outside? | Winter Safety (2024)

FAQs

How Cold is Too Cold to be Outside? | Winter Safety? ›

Factors like body fat, age, alcohol consumption, and especially wetness can affect how long hypothermia takes to strike. In general, when the wind chill is 32° and above, it's safe to be outside. In temperatures 13° to 31°, you should take indoor breaks every 20-30 minutes.

Although there's no legal maximum or minimum working temperature, health and safety guidance is that a reasonable temperature should usually be at least 16°C. If much of the work involves a lot of physical effort, it's 13°C. What is reasonable also depends on the working environment and type of work.

Make sure you check the weather forecast and dress appropriately before exercising outdoors. Weather conditions with air temperatures below zero F or extreme windchills may prohibit safe activities outside, even when wearing appropriate clothing.

Having room temperatures slightly over 18 °C could be good for your health. If you are under the age of 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may wish to keep your home at a comfortable temperature even if it is slightly lower than 18°C.

When Is Cold Too Cold? Experts agree that it's best to stay indoors if the temperature falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit or the windchill dips below -18. If you must go outside, you should do your best to limit any skin exposure to no more than 30 minutes.

During working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be reasonable. There's no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures, eg when it's too cold or too hot to work. However, guidance suggests a minimum of 16ºC or 13ºC if employees are doing physical work.

That range comes close to recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). They recommend not exercising outside when the temperature hits negative 18 degrees, when the risk of frostbite increases. Even before frostbite begins outdoor adventurers could be susceptible to cold stress.

When the temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, employers have to implement “high heat procedures”, which include providing additional shade, rest periods, and training for employees and supervisors.

Overview. Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It is a medical emergency. In hypothermia (hi-poe-THUR-me-uh), the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

How cold is it outside to be unsafe? ›

In general, when the wind chill is 32° and above, it's safe to be outside. In temperatures 13° to 31°, indoor breaks should happen every 20-30 minutes. For wind chills of 13° and below, you should move activities indoors and outside of the cold as frostbite can set in very quickly.

Hypothermia is a condition of abnormally low body temperature. Exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 64 degrees (F) in the Winter months while people are in the home.

“However, it's vital that we keep them warmed to around 18C (degrees centigrade), if possible. If our homes drop to 16°C or lower we are putting ourselves at risk of major health problems, particularly for those people with pre-existing health conditions or over the age of 65.

How cold is too cold? Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases. 18° - This is the recommended night time bedroom temperature.

It's recommended that you keep your home above 55°F/16°C in the winter. This is generally warm enough to prevent water from freezing inside of pipes. Also, maintaining this temperature shouldn't drill a hole in your pocket unless you live in a frigid province or face a brutal winter.

Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your arms, legs, hands and feet. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

As freezing weather approaches, the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management advises residents to safeguard the 4 P's – People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

Carry cold weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid. Include a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit. Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin. Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.