As we are now in the coldest month of the year here in Minnesota, the need for cold weather safety precautions has never been greater.  Pay attention for these warning signs for Frostbite and Hypothermia:

Signs of Frostbite: Reddened skin with white patches, along with tingling, aching, or a loss of feeling.  Frostbite most commonly occurs on the body’s extremities. (Fingers, toes, ears, nose.)

If you find yourself or another with frostbite, first find a warm, dry environment and cover the frostbitten area with a dry cloth to protect it from contact. Do not rub it, apply water, or break any blisters. Don’t try to apply heat to the affected area either; find professional medical help as quickly as possible.

Signs of Hypothermia: Shivering, slurred speech, confusion, loss of coordination, or loss of consciousness. Persons showing Hypothermia symptoms might not necessarily be aware of the danger, so it is important to look out for others as well as yourself.

If you or someone around you is showing symptoms of hypothermia, move the affected person to a warm dry environment and replace any wet clothing with a dry article. Wrap up in blankets and some form of vapor barrier and pursue professional medical attention immediately.

The information above comes directly from OSHA. To learn more, follow the link below:  https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/windchill.html