Hypothermia Prevention for Texas Ranchers

Cold weather may be less common in Texas, but when it arrives, it can be deadly

The Texas Cold Weather Reality

Texas is known for heat, but winter brings genuine cold weather hazards, especially in the Panhandle, West Texas, and during unexpected cold snaps that catch ranchers off guard. The February 2021 Winter Storm Uri proved that Texas faces real cold weather dangers, with temperatures dropping below 0°F across much of the state.

Texas ranchers face unique cold weather challenges:

• Livestock need care regardless of conditions
• Infrastructure may not be designed for extreme cold
• Many ranchers lack experience with severe cold
• Emergency response times increase in winter weather
• The workload often increases during cold snaps (breaking ice, extra feeding)

What Hypothermia Is and How It Happens

The Basics

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing core body temperature to drop below 95°F (normal is 98.6°F). It can develop more quickly than most people realize, especially when you're wet from sweat, rain, or snow, when wind increases heat loss, when you're fatigued or haven't eaten enough, when you're older or have certain medical conditions, or when you've been drinking alcohol.

How Quickly Can Hypothermia Develop?

Recognizing the Stages of Hypothermia

Stage 1: Mild Hypothermia (95-90°F core temp)

• Cold hands and feet
• Numbness in extremities
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks (buttoning, zipping)
• Increased urination
• Mild confusion or difficulty concentrating

Stage 2: Moderate Hypothermia (90-82°F core temp)

• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination, stumbling
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Confusion and poor decision-making
• Drowsiness
• Loss of awareness of being cold

Stage 3: Severe Hypothermia (below 82°F core temp)

• Extreme confusion or unconsciousness
• Very slow or irregular heartbeat
• Very slow or absent breathing
• Rigid muscles
• Loss of consciousness

Prevention Strategies for Ranch Work

Dress in Layers

The layer system works because it traps air (an excellent insulator) and allows moisture management.

For your base layer, never use cotton. "Cotton kills" because it holds moisture and loses insulating ability. The fit should be snug but not constricting. Your mid layers should consist of multiple thin layers rather than one thick one, loose enough to trap air between them. The outer layer should be water-resistant or waterproof for wet conditions, with enough breathability to prevent sweat buildup.

Protect Critical Heat Loss Areas

Your body loses heat fastest from:

• Head: Wear an insulated hat (25-40% of heat loss can occur here)
• Neck: Use a neck gaiter or scarf
• Hands: Insulated gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)
• Feet: Insulated, waterproof boots with good socks
• Wrists: Ensure sleeves seal at the wrists

Footwear Essentials

Cold, wet feet can lead to frostbite and make it impossible to walk to safety:

• Insulated boots rated for expected temperatures
• Waterproof construction essential
• Room for thick socks without constricting circulation
• Non-slip soles for icy conditions
• Wool or synthetic socks (never cotton)
• Consider pack boots for extreme cold

Stay Dry

Wet clothing loses 90% of its insulating ability. Don't overdress, because sweating makes you wet from the inside. Ventilate before you overheat, remove layers before strenuous work, carry spare dry clothes, and get out of wet clothes immediately when work allows.

High-Risk Activities and Precautions

Breaking Ice at Water Troughs

This common winter chore presents significant hazards. Splashing water gets clothing wet, the work is often done early morning when it's coldest, and it may require sustained effort in one location.

Use tools that keep you at a distance (long handles), invest in heated water systems where possible, break ice from the upwind side to avoid splash, and change clothes if they get wet.

Feeding in Open Pastures

Extended time in exposed areas with no shelter calls for smart planning. Map efficient routes to minimize exposure and use vehicles with heaters when possible. If you're using an ATV or UTV, wear a windproof outer layer. Take warming breaks. Don't skip meals, because you need those calories to generate heat.

Checking on Calving Heifers

Winter calving requires extended time in cold conditions. Set up warm shelter where you can wait and use monitoring cameras to reduce exposure. Rotate checking duties with family members, have warm water and supplies pre-staged, and pay attention to signs of your own hypothermia, not just the animals'.

Equipment Repair

Metal tools and machinery are extremely cold. Metal conducts heat away rapidly, and bare hands on cold metal can cause instant frostbite. Fuel systems may need attention in cold weather.

Use tools with insulated handles, take breaks to warm your hands, and never touch metal with bare skin.

Nutrition and Hydration in Cold Weather

Eat More

Your body burns significantly more calories staying warm. Increase caloric intake during cold weather and eat before going out to give your body fuel to generate heat. Carry high-energy snacks like nuts and energy bars. Warm foods and drinks provide both calories and direct heat.

Stay Hydrated

You may not feel thirsty, but dehydration impairs your body's ability to regulate temperature. Drink regularly even without thirst, and warm beverages help maintain core temperature. Avoid alcohol, which causes blood vessels to dilate and increases heat loss. Limit caffeine, which acts as a diuretic.

Creating Warming Stations

On the Ranch

Establish places where you can warm up:

• Barn office/tack room: Small space heater, keep running
• Vehicle: Leave running intermittently to maintain warmth
• Field shelter: Stock with emergency supplies
• House: Establish check-in schedule with family

Emergency Supplies

Keep in your vehicle and at remote locations:

• Extra dry clothing
• Emergency blankets (space blankets)
• Hand and toe warmers (chemical type)
• Thermos with hot beverage
• High-calorie food
• Fire-starting supplies
• Flashlight
• Charged phone

Working with Others

Buddy System

Never work alone in serious cold weather. Check on each other regularly and watch for signs of hypothermia like confusion and slurred speech. Have a communication plan and know each other's limits.

Check-In Protocol

If you must work alone, tell someone your plan and expected return time. Establish check-in times, and if you miss one, they initiate a search. Carry a charged cell phone and consider a GPS locator device.

Vehicle Safety

Your truck or ATV can be both transportation and emergency shelter.

Carry These Items

• Blankets (wool or emergency type)
• Extra clothing
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit
• Phone charger
• Jumper cables
• Tow strap
• Shovel
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Non-perishable food
• Water

If Stranded

Stay with the vehicle because it provides shelter and is easier to find. Run the engine periodically for heat (check that exhaust isn't blocked by snow). Put on all available clothing and use floor mats for insulation. Move around to generate heat and conserve your phone battery for emergency calls.

Special Considerations

Older Ranchers

Age increases hypothermia risk. Older adults may have a reduced ability to sense cold, medications that affect temperature regulation, less efficient heat generation, and conditions that impair circulation.

Wet Conditions

Rain, sleet, and snow dramatically increase danger. A 50°F day with rain can cause hypothermia. Wet clothing plus wind is especially dangerous, so have waterproof gear readily available and change out of wet clothes immediately.

Fatigue

Being tired increases hypothermia risk. Your body generates less heat when exhausted and your judgment gets impaired, meaning you may not recognize danger. Rest before extended cold exposure and don't push through extreme fatigue in cold conditions.

First Aid for Hypothermia

For Mild Hypothermia

• Get to warm shelter
• Remove wet clothing
• Dry off and put on dry, warm clothing
• Wrap in blankets
• Drink warm (not hot) liquids if fully conscious
• Eat high-energy food
• Move gently to generate heat
• Monitor for improvement

For Moderate to Severe Hypothermia

• Call 911 immediately
• Handle the person very gently (rough handling can cause cardiac arrest)
• Get to shelter if possible
• Remove wet clothing, cutting if necessary
• Insulate from the ground
• Cover with blankets, focusing on torso and head
• Apply warm compresses to neck, armpits, groin (not extremities)
• Do NOT rub or massage (this can push cold blood to the heart)
• Do NOT give alcohol
• Do NOT apply direct heat (heating pads can burn)
• If no breathing, begin CPR (be prepared for longer resuscitation: "not dead until warm and dead")

Bottom Line

Hypothermia can happen at surprisingly mild temperatures when you're wet, tired, or exposed to wind. Layer properly with a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle, and a windproof outer layer. Staying dry is the single most important thing you can do, because wet clothing is your biggest enemy in the cold.

Eat and drink more in cold weather to fuel your body's heat production, and protect the areas where you lose heat fastest: head, hands, feet, and neck. Never work alone in dangerous cold, and know the symptoms well enough to act at the first sign of shivering.

Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle and at remote locations. A thermos of hot coffee and a dry set of clothes can make the difference between a rough day and a life-threatening situation.

Resources

• National Weather Service: Wind chill charts and warnings
• Texas AgriLife Extension: Cold weather agricultural safety
• American Red Cross: Hypothermia first aid training
• OSHA: Cold stress safety guidance

• Layering for Cold Weather Work
• Vehicle Safety in Winter Storms
• Cold Safety Hub