Bitter Cold: How to Protect Against Frostbite, Hypothermia

Extremely cold temperatures are expected in the region this weekend.

Weather that cold can cause hypothermia and frostbite in both humans and animals. County Emergency Management Agencies and fire departments have released the following tips to keep your family bundled up, safe and warm this weekend:

• Kids should wear sensible winter clothing — hats, gloves or mittens, snow pants, winter jacket, snow boots — that is waterproof and warm, and change into something dry if their clothes get wet.
• Don’t let kids wear scarves or any clothing that can get caught in a sled and pose a risk of strangulation.
• Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Call children in periodically to warm up with drinks such as hot chocolate.
• When possible, avoid taking infants outdoors when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Infants lose body heat quickly.

If a child complains of numbness or pain in the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks or ears while playing in the snow, or if his/her skin is blistered, hard to the touch or glossy, be alerted to the possibility of frostbite and take the following steps:

• Take the child indoors.
• Call a doctor.
• Tell the child to wiggle the affected body part(s) to increase blood supply to that area.
• Warm the frozen part(s) against the body. Hold fingers to the chest, for example.
• Immerse frozen part(s) in warm, not hot, water. Frozen tissue is fragile and can be damaged easily.
• Avoid warming with high heat from radiators, fireplaces or stoves, and avoid rubbing or breaking blisters.
• Layer your clothing; it gives more flexibility and control over how warm you stay.
  
• Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
  
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most problems with hypothermia occur because of an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
  
• Wear a warm hat. As much as 50 of body heat is lost through the head.
  
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
  
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
  
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) is usually accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for the stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness.

Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the affected area. Contact your local emergency services if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, the elderly and people with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite.