Dangerous Wind Chills Tuesday

With temperatures dropping Tuesday into the single digits and wind chills closing in on a “feels like” temperature of 0, first responders said they were more on alert across the area.””If you don’t need to go be outside, come inside,” said Jefferson City fire department Capt. Jerry Blomberg. “We want everybody to dress in layers to minimize their exposure.”As of 11:30 p.m. Monday, no area hospitals were reporting cases of hypothermia or weather-related emergencies. And homeless shelters still had plenty of space.But hypothermia is extremely rare in mid-Missouri because it takes more time to develop and usually in emergency circumstances. JCFD responders said they usually see frostnip and frostbite – characterized by a numbness and discoloration of the skin. It can be treated initially by soaking the skin in lukewarm water.Children and the elderly are especially susceptible because they aren’t as accustomed to low temperatures. In fact, Capt. Blomberg said some elderly residents who keep their homes below 60 degrees can start to show early signs of hypothermia after prolonged exposure.