Editorial: Take precaution in dangerous wind chills

Published 7:41 pm Monday, January 21, 2019

With dangerous wind chills expected later this week, it is important for people to take extra measures to ensure they are protected from risks for frostbite and hypothermia.

According to the National Weather Service, air temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees below zero are expected Thursday night through Saturday, and with wind chills, it will feel like 25 to 40 degrees below zero.

Under these conditions, someone can get frostbite in as little as 15 minutes with wind chill values near 25 degrees below zero, according to the weather agency.

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Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and the body tissue right beneath it, and when frostbite starts, you will lose feeling in the affected area, and the frozen tissue will take on a pale appearance.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature gets dangerously low, and warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness.

Remember, these conditions can be life-threatening.

Some of the tips the Weather Service advises to protect yourself against frostbite and hypothermia include staying dry, dressing in layers, staying covered and staying informed of the latest forecasts and warnings.

It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to limit your time outdoors, too.