This chart from the National Weather Service indicates how wind chills are calculated and the frostbite times associated with those subzero temperatures. With the wind chill temps predicted for the area this week, frostbite could start within five minutes. Do yourself a favor and stay indoors. If you must go outside, wear layers of clothing and especially cover vulnerable areas like feet, hands, ears, lips and nose.
Normal circulation vs. frostbitten extremity.
And three weeks later. Eventually the toes will likely have to be amputated.
This chart from the National Weather Service indicates how wind chills are calculated and the frostbite times associated with those subzero temperatures. With the wind chill temps predicted for the area this week, frostbite could start within five minutes. Do yourself a favor and stay indoors. If you must go outside, wear layers of clothing and especially cover vulnerable areas like feet, hands, ears, lips and nose.
Avoid the freeze—keep skin covered!
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by Karin L. Nauber
Frostbite does not respect age or gender. It doesn’t care if you are black or white or something in between. If your skin is exposed to subzero temperatures, you are at risk of getting frostbite.
A frostbite alert was released from the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities last week which will be very appropriate for everyone this week as temperatures with frigid wind chills—the coldest in 25 years—are expected to put us in the deep freeze.
This is a very serious matter, make sure you and your friends, children and everyone you know is protected!
Prevention
• Be aware of the temperature including the wind chill factor. (Refer to the accompanying NWS Wind Chill Chart.)
• Wear several layers of warm clothing, as well as protection against dampness and wind.
• Keep hands and feet dry.
• Wear clothing that protects you well against the cold. Cover exposed skin. In cold weather, wear mittens (not gloves); wind-proof, water-resistant, layered clothing; two pairs of socks; and a hat or scarf that covers the ears (to avoid heat loss through the scalp). . . .