The snowfall that has fallen in the Twin Lakes Area is expected to be followed by dangerously cold temperatures as record lows could possibly be broken. With the temperatures, the chance of frostbite becomes higher.
Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.
The CDC states the possibility for frostbite becomes greater for those with poor blood circulation and for those not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures. Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin feeling unusually firm or waxy and numbness. A frostbite victim may be unaware until someone else points it out because the frozen parts of the body are numb.
When the weather is extremely cold, CDC officials say the best course is to stay indoors. Anyone needing to go out in the elements should dress properly, including several layers of loose-fitting clothing and a coat and boots that are water resistent.
Those noticing signs of frostbite on themselves or someone else should seek medical care. Check to see if an individual is also showing signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is more serious and requires emergency medical care.
The CDC also provides tips if someone is showing signs of frostbite but not hypothermia, and immediate medical care is unavailable:
-Get the person into a warm room as soon as possible.
-Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on feet or toes that show signs of frostbitethis increases the damage.
-Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
-Put the areas affected by frostbite in warmnot hotwater (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
-If warm water is not available, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, you can use the heat of an armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
-Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can easily burn.
The extreme cold can also be dangerous to pets. According to Animal Emergency Care, the best way to prevent frostbite is to limit a pet’s outdoor activities in the colder months to avoid exposure to frigid temperatures. Pet owners should consider dressing them in a sweater or jacket to keep their main body warm and dog boots to help ensure their paws keep warm and dry before taking them out for walks or bathroom breaks. Additionally, the pet’s fur should be dry before going outside to prevent their body temperature from quickly dropping, and keep them away from any body of water.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI