This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about staying safe and healthy during the holiday season so you can enjoy the fun. While it’s true that being out in the cold won’t give you a cold, it’s still not a good idea to be out without a coat.

Dr. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says when you leave the house during cold weather, you should be prepared to spend an hour outdoors, even if you’re just making a quick trip to the neighborhood store. You never know when you might have car trouble, a flat tire or even be in a wreck and be caught outside for longer than you’d planned, which could put you at risk for hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold. Have a coat with you in the car, even for short trips. It’s also a good idea to keep some blankets, water and a flashlight in your trunk in case of cold-weather emergencies.