What to consider when staying safe in the cold weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The snow has stopped falling in Mid-Missouri, however, Missourians are still facing dangerously cold temperatures.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team expects the low temperatures to stay into the weekend.
If you're going out into the cold temperature, several factors will need to be considered if you want to stay warm. Experts say be sure to wear layers of clothing and cover your body parts that are most prone to frostbite.
You can do this by wearing a hat to cover your ears, along with heavy socks, shoes, and gloves. Also, limit your time spent outside and come inside frequently to warm up.
According to experts frostbite and hypothermia become a concern when temperatures start to get very low.
Dr. Christopher Sampson with MU Health Care says, it only takes about 10-30 minutes for frostbite to set in when temperatures are very low. Experts say signs of hypothermia are confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, and severe shivering.
Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue, or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin. If you have pets, The Humane Society of Missouri says layering up your dog if they are out or just keeping them inside can help keep them safe.
