Linda Lam
Extreme cold occurs in the U.S. every winter and can be life-threatening when you're unprotected, making it crucial to be prepared for the dangerously cold conditions ahead of time.
Extreme cold is more than just the actual air temperature. Wind chill, a combination of wind and air temperatures, determines how cold it actually feels outside and dictates the danger level for anyone outside.
The National Weather Service will even issue wind chill advisories and warnings when wind chill values drop low enough that they could cause frostbite or other harm to the skin in less than 30 minutes.
Below we take a closer look at what to watch for and how to prepare when extreme cold is expected.
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite happens when the skin and tissue right below the skin's surface freeze and can occur in just a few minutes on exposed skin, especially on fingers, toes, ears and the nose during extreme cold events.
Your extremities are most at risk since your body cuts blood circulation there first to try to protect your vital organs.
There are four degrees of frostbite and the first starts with lost feeling and ice crystals forming on your skin. Once this happens, move inside and begin warming the affected areas using warm water or body heat. The National Weather Service (NWS) points out that using hot water, heat pads, hair dryers or a fireplace is not recommended since the affected areas can be easily burned.
When pain develops and the skin begins to turn dark blue, gray or even black, it's vital to seek medical help immediately.
The best way to avoid frostbite is to stay indoors when it is dangerously cold. If you do go outside, cover every part of your body and stay dry. The NWS also recommends staying hydrated since fluids increase the blood's volume.
It is also a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine constricts your blood vessels, limiting circulation, and alcohol reduces shivering, a vital process which helps the body stay warm.
Hypothermia is another serious concern and occurs when your body temperature drops below 96 degrees. Perhaps surprisingly, hypothermia can occur in temperatures as warm as 60 degrees. The NWS notes that hypothermia is "the most common winter weather killer."
Other than a low body temperature, signs of hypothermia include feeling cold, sluggish, slurred speech, disorientation, uncontrolled shivering or having trouble thinking clearly.
Hypothermia is serious and needs immediate medical attention. Someone with hypothermia should move to a heated location and begin warming the center of the body first.
Dress warmly in layers and consume hot foods and warm drinks throughout the day to help avoid hypothermia.
How To Prepare
Avoiding exposure outdoors when severe cold is expected is the best way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
If you do head outdoors, be sure to dress warmly in layers and to cover as much skin as possible to stay safe.
Remember the four P's when dealing with cold: Pets, Pipes, Plants and People (elderly and young).
Bring pets inside and make sure they have plenty of food and water as well.
One of the most important things to do to protect your home from cold is to also protect your water pipes from freezing. This can be done by insulating pipes that are located in unheated areas of your house. It's also a good idea to drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems and to cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators.
If your pipes do freeze, first turn on the faucet and then warm the pipes using a heating pad, hair dryer or space heater.
An alternate source of heat can be beneficial, including an outside generator or a well-stocked source of firewood. However, before using your fireplace be sure it is clean and not blocked.
If you are traveling, make sure your car has at least a half tank of gas and a survival kit. It is recommended that a winter survival kit includes:
- Jumper cables, flares and flashlights
- Shovel, ice scraper and a basic toolkit
- Sand or cat litter
- First aid kit, blankets and a change of clothes
- Spare tire and a tire repair kit
- Non-perishable food and water
- Charger for your cell phone
Remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled. Also, restock your supplies after an event so you are ready for the next one.
Plants will also die off in cold weather, so remember to bring them in or cover them as temperatures drop.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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