The Alabama Department of Public Health released an article today urging Alabamians to take precautions against hypothermia and frostbite. With the extreme winter weather, it’s important to know the difference between the two and recognize their symptoms. Frostbite is less severe and occurs when skin is exposed to cold. It can affect the nose, cheeks, hands, ears, and feet. Warning signs may include numbness, grayish-yellow or waxy skin, and unusual firmness. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s core body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Symptoms in adults may include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, and slurred speech. Babies may experience bright red, cold skin and very low energy. If you or someone you know is showing symptoms, ADPH recommends moving indoors immediately, removing wet clothing, warming the person’s core, offering warm, non-alcoholic drinks (if the person is conscious), and seeking medical attention as soon as possible.
Click here for a list of local warming stations.
