As extreme cold persists, here’s how to stay warm and safe
We’re used to dealing with cold and snow here in the Midwest, but when the temperatures plunge below zero for an extended period of time, some extra caution and care may be necessary to stay safe and comfortable. With extremely cold weather persisting in the suburbs until midweek, here are some answers to key safety questions from local experts.
Q: How long can exposed skin be safe in the cold, and how do you know it’s time to go inside?
With the wind chills we’re having, people can get frostbite in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, said Dr. Neil Shah, the medical director for employee and occupational health at Northwest Community Hospital and Endeavor Health.
“It’s different for everyone, so we can’t give an exact number, but the big thing is to keep your skin covered up,” Shah said, adding that if you start to feel frequent shivering or any pain in your fingers, toes, nose or ears, it’s a good idea to get inside and get warm.
Shah cautioned those with cold fingers shouldn’t put their hands under hot water, because the sensation in the fingers likely won’t be accurate and they could accidentally burn them. Instead, stick with warm water.
“If (the symptoms) are anything more than that, they really want to get some medical care to make sure they haven’t lost sensation and their circulation isn’t too poor,” Shah said.
Q: What groups should take extra care when venturing out into the cold?
The two most at-risk populations are the elderly and infants or very young children, said Dr. Terry Chiganos, an emergency medicine physician at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
That’s because elderly people have lower metabolism and don’t create as much heat as the average adult. As for infants, they haven’t yet fully developed the ability to regulate body temperature.
Shah added that people with heart and lung diseases should also take extra precautions in the extreme cold, as the cold puts a lot of stress on the heart and lung problems can be exacerbated in dry, cold air.
Q: What are some key things to remember about dressing warm?
Dressing in layers is key, Chiganos said, because it will give you more insulation and protect you from both wind and precipitation.
“You want an internal later that should wick away moisture from the skin to prevent that evaporative heat loss with moisture sitting directly on the skin,” Chiganos said. “The middle layers serve as insulation, and the outer layers should protect you from the wind and precipitation.”
Q: How long can pets go outside, and how can they be protected?
Experts at the National Weather Service and nonprofit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommend pets be kept indoors whenever possible during cold snaps.
“Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet,” according to ASPCA.
If your pets need to be taken outside, keep them bundled up — including their paws. Providing plenty of food and water during the wintertime is also essential, as pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime.
“Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry,” according to ASPCA.