Health Officials Alert Residents To Hypothermia And Frostbite Risks

Temperatures are plunging across West Alabama and will drop into the "Dangerous to be outside" range tonight and tomorrow. Temperatures and wind chills will barely top freezing Monday. Those extreme conditions make it dangerous to be outside long. The major threat to health during this period of extreme cold is hypothermia and frostbite.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), "Hypothermia is a medical emergency that can be fatal. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees F, just a few degrees less than the normal body temperature. When exposed to cold, the body begins to lose heat faster than it produces it. In very low temperatures, hypothermia can occur in minutes."

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ADPH describes frostbite as the most common impact on exposed skin in extreme cold. It attacks areas such as the cheeks, nose, and ears, but it can also affect the hands and feet. Early warning signs include numbness, loss of feeling, or a stinging sensation. If you suspect frostbite, get the person out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area; do not rub it, as this can damage the skin. If numbness persists, seek emergency care.

The secret to avoiding hypothermia and frostbite is to not be exposed to the extreme cold that causes them. Stay indoors. However, if you must go outside follow the following advice from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency:

• Be aware of the ambient temperature and the wind chill. Do not stay exposed to the elements very long.
• Dress appropriately, covering all bare skin. Wear and hat and gloves and layer you clothing.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Move around to maintain body heat.
• Go inside to warmup frequently
• Recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

The ADPH website lists the signs and symptoms of hypothermia:

Adults:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Babies:

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy

Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:

• A white or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

If unable to get help right away, try to warm the person up.

• Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
• Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap them in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, victims of hypothermia are often:

• Older adults with inadequate food, clothing or heating.
• Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms.
• People who remain outdoors for long periods—people experiencing homelessness, hikers, hunters and others.
• People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

Check on persons living in substandard housing, if possible, get them to a warming station (205-349-0150), check on the elderly, keeps kids and pets indoors.

This is an extreme winter condition we don't deal with often in the south. For that reason, it is important to follow expert advice and stay safe.