How you can stay safe, healthy during extreme cold

When extreme weather arrives, it is important to remember the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and how you can stay safe when exposed to dangerously low temperatures.

During extreme cold, winter-weather dangers such as frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes when someone isn’t prepared, according to Kettering Health.

Frostbite is a common injury, especially to the toes and fingers, resulting from chilly temperatures. Hypothermia is when the body loses heat before it can be replaced.

Wearing multiple layers or loose-fitting clothes, as well as gloves and mittens, a hat, scarf and water-resistant-coat and boots will help prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

According to Kettering Health, symptoms of frostbite include:

  • Redness or pain in any skin area
  • Skin feeling unusually firm or waxy
  • Numbness

Signs of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion or drowsiness
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Fumbling hands
  • Slurred speech
  • Bright red, cold skin and low energy

If your temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately.

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