With temperatures regularly falling well below zero degrees Celsius, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather to avoid the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. In recent weeks, reports of people suffering from severe forms of hypothermia have made headlines.

To help prevent your risk of hypothermia, wear sufficient layers of clothing and stay dry when spending time outdoors, says Dr. Dov Soberman, an emergency medicine physician at The Scarborough Hospital.

Knowing the signs of hypothermia will also help reduce your risk. Signs include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion and slurred speech.

Dr. Soberman offers some ways to help a person suffering from hypothermia:

1. Call 911
2. Shield the person from wind; move the person to sheltered place if possible.
3. Once indoors, remove wet clothing and replace with dry clothing or blankets if possible. If still outside, keep the person
   off the ground, or put something between the person and the ground.
4. Keep the head covered.
5. Try to keep the person alert by speaking with him.
6. The person needs to be warmed gradually. Do not place excess heat directly on skin.