Winter is a familiar part of life in the Iowa Great Lakes, freezing our lakes and bringing extended periods of cold temperatures. While winter can be a beautiful and active season in northwest Iowa, it also presents serious health and safety risks. From falls on icy sidewalks to cold-related illnesses and dangerous travel conditions, winter weather can quickly impact the well-being of individuals and families across our community.
Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) encourages the following to prevent and reduce winter-related injuries and illness.
- Prepare Your Home for a Safe Winter
Winter home safety steps include:
- Have your heating system inspected and maintained before extreme cold arrives
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly
- Seal drafts around doors and windows to maintain indoor warmth
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, water, and medications
- Use space heaters cautiously and never leave them unattended
LRH Mobile Intensive Care Services Supervisor Chris Yungbluth emphasizes the importance of preparation, stating, “Hopefully you never find yourself in an emergency in winter conditions but if you do a little preparation and planning can make the difference and reduce the risk of the event becoming life threatening.”
- Stay Safe on the Road
Winter driving is one of the leading causes of injury during colder months. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility increase the likelihood of crashes, particularly on rural highways and county roads. Another health hazard can occur when getting stuck in your car in freezing temperatures.
To reduce risk:
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
- Delay travel during severe weather when possible
- Keep your vehicle well maintained with good tires and a full tank of fuel
- Keep a winter emergency kit with blankets, warm clothing, water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a shovel in your vehicle.
Yungbluth adds, “Winter driving isn’t conducive to rushing to get somewhere. It’s about getting there safely. Slowing down and being prepared can prevent injuries, save lives, and keep you safe until emergency help arrives.”
- Heed Outdoor Safety Tips
Exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, sometimes faster than people expect. Wind chill significantly increases risk, especially for children, older adults, and those with medical conditions.
To protect your health outdoors:
- Dress in loose-fitting layers with insulated, water-resistant coat (and snow pants)
- Wear hats, neck warmers, mittens, and waterproof footwear (and consider wearing ice cleats on the bottoms of footwear)
- Limit time outdoors during extreme cold warnings
- Take frequent breaks to warm up indoors
- Salt steps, sidewalks, and driveways to decrease risk of falls
Snow shoveling is another common winter activity that leads to emergency department visits. Lakes Regional Family Medicine physician Steven Vander Leest, DO says, “Shoveling heavy snow can strain the heart and muscles. Pace yourself, push snow when possible, instead of lifting, and stop immediately if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.”
- Stay Safe on Frozen Lakes
Frozen lakes are a hallmark of winter in Dickinson County. Lakes such as West Okoboji Lake and Big Spirit and the annual University of Okoboji Winter Games festivities attract ice anglers, snowmobilers, walkers, and families each winter. While these activities are part of our local culture, they also carry serious risk. Ice thickness is never uniform. Weather changes, snow cover, and underwater currents can weaken ice without visible warning. Even experienced individuals can encounter dangerous conditions.
Safety reminders on frozen lakes include:
- Never assume ice is safe. Yungbluth warns that no ice is safe. He said, “Ice should be a minimum thickness of 3-4” for walking and if you’re unsure of the thickness, you can drill holes in the ice to measure. Most bait shops in the area also know where the ice is safer and the areas to avoid.”
- Avoid areas near docks, bridges, and anywhere water is flowing
- Wear a life jacket or flotation suit when on the ice
- Carry ice picks or safety spikes and keep them accessible
- Never go onto the ice alone
Falls through the ice can result in severe hypothermia, cardiac stress, and drowning. If someone falls through the ice, call 911 immediately and do not attempt a rescue unless you have proper training and equipment.
- Support Vulnerable Populations
LRH Director of Home Care and Hospice Jill Christoffels says, “Winter weather can be especially dangerous for older adults, people with chronic illness, and those living alone. Cold temperatures increase fall risk and can complicate existing medical conditions.”
How community members can help:
- Check in on neighbors during severe cold or storms
- Offer assistance with snow removal when safe
- Ensure loved ones have access to heat, food, medications, and transportation
- Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
Staying informed about weather conditions allows individuals and families to make safer decisions. Monitor forecasts, heed winter weather warnings, and adjust plans as needed. Having a winter emergency plan in place helps reduce stress and improve safety when conditions change quickly.
Winter is an unavoidable part of life in Dickinson County, but injuries and emergencies do not have to be. With preparation, education, and community awareness, winter can be navigated safely.
Yungbluth reminds the community, “Winter is something we face together every year. When people prepare and look out for one another, we see fewer emergencies and healthier outcomes for everyone.”
