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Show Winter Survival At this high elevation, weather can change quickly. Be prepared -carry extra food and clothing, both in your car and in your pack when hiking. Prolonged exposure to cold, wet, and windy weather can cause hypothermia hy-pothermia - the lowering of the body's core temperature below its normal 98.6 F. This occurs when heat loss exceeds heat production. If you don't wear enough clothing or when your clothing gets wet, hypothermia hy-pothermia gradually sets in. A core temperature below 90 F. is critical and death will occur if no action is taken. Symptoms of hypothermia include: in-clude: uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech, and loss of motor coordination. If you notice any of these signs, re-warm the victim as soon as possible. Give the victim warm liquids, remove re-move their clothing, and put them in a sleeping bag with another person. per-son. If available, give them a hot bath, followed by warm, dry clothes. Get them to sit near a warm fire or car heater. However, never sit in a stationary car with the engine running for long periods of time. The best treatment for hypothermia hy-pothermia is prevention. Wear warm clothing in layers which can be added or removed for comfort, especially when exerting yourself in cold weather. Wear clothing such as wool, or some of the new fleece fabrics which retain their insulating properties even when wet. Fabrics such as polypropylene are good for the layer of clothing next to your skin as you perspire. When you feel cold, it is time to go inside and get warmed up. Have a safe winter visit! |