As winter storm warnings have been issued for counties throughout the state, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services urges Nebraskans to take steps to reduce risk of injury or illness.

There has been a notable increase in emergency department visits for cold-exposure illnesses, such as frostbite and hypothermia across the state, according to the DHHS. Outdoor falls due to slippery surfaces and ice have also resulted in over 140 emergency department visits in the last two weeks. Additionally, winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion.

Steps to protect yourself and others during winter storms

• Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, stay inside. You can dial *55 to reach the Highway Helpline.

• Take care when walking outside and stay off ice. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. Check the batteries on your carbon monoxide detectors.

• Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.

• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

• Check on neighbors, if possible. Older adults and young children are more at-risk during extreme cold.

Learn the signs of and basic treatments for cold-exposure illnesses:

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.

Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.

Actions: Go to a warm room. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.

Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Generator Safety

Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards.

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets. Check the batteries to ensure the detector is working properly.

• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.

• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.

• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Learn more about winter weather safety and how you can protect yourself and others at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.