Dangerously cold temperatures Monday could leave some susceptible to frostbite

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Many schools in mid-Missouri have already canceled class for Monday ahead of dangerously cold temperatures.

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team is tracking temperatures below zero, following a snowstorm over the weekend.

Assistant Chief of the Boone County Fire Protection District Gale Blomenkamp said these temperatures could leave some people vulnerable to frostbite, a condition where exposed skin freezes.

"When you're talking below zero temperatures, frostbite can set in 10 to 15 minutes on exposed skin," Blomenkamp said. "It's very dangerous for people to be trapped or stranded outside or outdoors, and so people...if they don't need to be out in those frigid temperatures, they should just stay home."

Blomenkamp said that includes keeping kids inside instead of outside playing in the snow.

"When it's below zero, it's just miserable for them. They're not going to understand how cold they are until it's probably too late," Blomenkamp said. "People need to find something for the kids to do in the house and there'll be another time to play in the snow later this week."

He said children and older people are at a greater risk for frostbite.

If traveling or being outside is necessary, Blomenkamp said to dress appropriately in layers and even keep extra supplies in the car for emergencies.

Paul and Vona Scheiter took their 3-year-old daughter sledding on Sunday, despite the temperature being in the teens around 5 p.m.

"We're not going to be here too long, but we wanted to hit it while it's nice and fresh," Vona Scheiter said.

The Scheiter family said frostbite isn't a concern for them because of their cold-weather gear.

"We're aware of things to look out for, and we're moving around really quickly, so our bodies are warmed up," Vona Scheiter said.