The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory for Hamilton County through Tuesday, Jan. 2. Actual temperatures will be in the single digits or below zero and wind chills are expected to bottom out at 15 to 25 degrees below zero. This may result in frostbite or hypothermia if precautions are not taken when venturing outdoors. Both these conditions can occur within minutes of exposure. Please take extra precautions when outside or traveling and also check on neighbors, the elderly and those who may be ill.
To reduce chances of frostbite and hypothermia:
- Limit time outdoors, especially in cold, wet, or windy weather.
- Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing. Wear windproof and waterproof outer garments and undergarments that wick moisture away from the body.
- Wear a hat or headband that covers the ears.
- Wear mittens rather than gloves.
- Don’t skimp on socks and boots. Feet are very vulnerable to frostbite.
- Keep hydrated. Becoming dehydrated increases the risk of developing frostbite.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Alcoholic beverages cause the body to lose heat faster than normal.
- Don’t venture outdoors unless it is necessary. When traveling, carry emergency supplies and warm clothing in case of becoming stranded.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and take action immediately.
Frostbite
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin as frostbite may be beginning. Other signs of frostbite include white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. Since skin tissue becomes numb, a person may have difficulty realizing frostbite has set in.
Seek help immediately if frostbite occurs. Get into a warm room and restrict using any body part affected by frostbite as this may cause additional damage. Immerse the damaged tissue in warm, not hot, water or warm using body heat. Do not rub the affected area and do not warm using a heater, lamp, stove or heating pad as numb tissue may burn. Medical help should be sought for frostbite.
Hypothermia
This occurs when body heat is lost faster than it is created and is a real possibility during extreme temperatures. Once body temperature falls below 95 degrees, the situation is an emergency and medical attention must be sought immediately. Prolonged exposure to cold will expend the body’s stored energy. Signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness and slurred speech. Infants may show hypothermia by bright red, cold skin and very low energy.
At the first sign of hypothermia, get the victim into a warm place. Remove any wet clothing and warm the center of the body with an electric blanket or layers of warm blankets. Warm beverages can help raise the body temperature but do not give alcoholic beverages. Keep the person wrapped in warm, dry clothes and seek medical help.
Don’t forget that pets can suffer frostbite and hypothermia as well. Check tips of ears, nose, tail and paws especially. Most house pets are not acclimated to extreme low temperatures and should not be outside for more than 15 to 20 minutes.
For non-emergency weather situations that require a first responder, contact Hamilton County Public Safety Communications at 317-773-1282 or dial 9-1-1 for an emergency.