Many parts of the United States could see freezing temperatures over the next week.
Those who will be affected by the cold should stay inside as much as possible. If you have to go out, protect yourself from the risks associated with icy conditions, including falls and car accidents. The unanimous advice from experts: Exercise extreme caution.
You’ll also want to bundle up and cover any exposed skin to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Here’s how to spot the signs of those conditions — and what to do if you think someone has developed them.
Frostbite
In extreme cold, exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as five minutes, said George T. Chiampas, a professor and an emergency medicine doctor at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
The body’s first reaction to extreme cold is to restrict blood and oxygen flow from its extremities, in order to preserve major organs, he said. And the first signs of frostbite including tingling or pain in the affected areas. If you think you have frostbite, you should immediately go inside and check yourself for any discoloration or other clear signs of the condition. Fingers, toes and the face are most often affected.
How to Stay Safe in Extreme Cold Weather
