Cold Weather Safety Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dress him in warm cotton clothing

According to experts, cotton does not keep the body warm as does wool, for instance. When dressing for the cold, remember the acronym COLD: C- Cover with hat and mittens; O- don't Overexert yourself; L- dress in Layers; D- keep Dry. You should wear sunscreen even when it's cold outside, as the snow can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays.

It's a good idea to have a snack before going outside into the cold, as the calories will give you energy to keep warm.

Answer: Children are usually more active than adults

Children and other "small people" are more likely to suffer from hypothermia because their small body mass loses heat more quickly. Interestingly, shivering, the body's mechanism for regulating temperature, doesn't appear until a few years of age. A child who is busy building a snowman or sled riding is also more likely to ignore the signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Answer: True

Believe it or not, it is scientifically possible to have an allergic reaction to the cold. This allergy usually manifests itself in the form of hives, which can be treated with antihistamines. Obviously, the best solution for this would be to avoid the cold; if that's not possible, you can gradually desensitize yourself to it.

Answer: Snowboarding has become popular

The outdoor sport of snowboarding, which is sort of like surfing on the snow, has grown in popularity in the US and Canada over the past several years. Like any other winter sport, it has hazards: along with frostbite and hypothermia, there's the danger of falling and breaking a limb, getting hit by a vehicle, or running into a tree or rock.

Answer: False

NEVER give alcohol, or even caffeine, to someone suffering from hypothermia; alcohol lowers the body's ability to retain heat. The best way to treat hypothermia is to bring the person inside, if possible, and get them into warm, dry clothing. Give them warm liquids, such as broth, if they're conscious. If they're not conscious, seek medical attention immediately. On a related note, it's not good to consume alcohol before going out into the cold, for the same reason.

Answer: Sweating

Hypothermia, or low body temperature, occurs when the body's core temperature goes below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia can be dangerous, especially in the very young and the very old. Early symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, dizziness or lightheadedness, muscular stiffness, and difficulty moving. If not treated, the person may begin to slur his speech and become confused and disoriented. Hypothermia may eventually lead to unconsciousness and death if not treated.

Answer: Massage the frostbitten body part

NEVER rub a frostbitten body part- it could cause gangrene, or tissue death due to lack of oxygen. If possible, immerse the body part in warm (not hot) water; if this isn't an option, wrap the body part in something warm and dry. Don't use heat lamps or hot water bottles, as too fast of a rise in body temperature can also cause gangrene.

Answer: All of these

'Tis the season to be careful of plants around children and pets. All of these plants, along with the Jerusalem cherry plant, are poisonous and can cause illness if ingested by humans or animals. Some symptoms of plant poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. If you suspect your child or pet has eaten a plant or something else not meant to be eaten, call your poison control center immediately. (Yes, you can call for pets, too- I've done it many times!)

Answer: Pour warm water on his tongue

If possible, pour warm water over the tongue to break the ice. If this isn't possible, blow on the area with warm air. Do NOT let the child break away from the pole, which could cause injury to his tongue. If the tongue bleeds, wrap it in clean, dry gauze. And tell him not to do any more stunts he sees in movies or TV.

Answer: Chilblains

"When skin is kept cool and moist for a long time, rewarming causes a rush of blood to the heat-dilated vessels near the surface of a human body. The swollen vessels can't take the load. Fluid and metabolic waste products leak out of the vessels and into the surrounding tissue. Those tissues swell and itch, and hurt! Pus may fill the lesions in a severe case. Treatment includes keeping the damaged skin warm and dry, and applying a protective ointment." -Michael Hodgson's Adventure Network.

Note: Frostnip, when ice crystals form in the skin, is the prelude to frostbite. Though painful, it's easily reversed by re-warming the skin.