Severe Cold

Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a person's age and state of health.

Tips for Staying Warm

• Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.
  
• Wear a hat, hood or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
  
• Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
  
• Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

How to Help Others

• Infants and the elderly are at increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure they are adequately protected from the cold.
  
• Recognize symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia.
  
• Hypothermia symptoms include slurred speech, sluggishness, confusion, dizziness, shallow breathing, unusual behavior, and slow, irregular heartbeat.
  
• Frostbite symptoms include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, and waxy feeling skin.
  
• If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, bring him or her someplace warm and seek medical help immediately or call 911.
  
• If medical help is unavailable, re-warm the person, starting at the core of their body. Warming arms and legs first can increase circulation of cold blood to the heart, which can lead to heart failure. Use a blanket, or if necessary, your own body heat to warm the person.
  
• Do not give a person suffering frostbite or hypothermia alcohol or caffeine, both of which can worsen the condition. Instead, give the patient a cup of warm broth.

For more information go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Winter Weather Website.: