What is hypothermia? Signs, symptoms and how to stay safe in MS as hard freeze nears
Dangerously cold conditions are set to continue in Mississippi, posing an ongoing risk of hypothermia and frostbite, state health officials said.
“The Mississippi State Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions to prevent hypothermia and frostbite during the extreme cold conditions facing the state this week,” officials said in a Jan. 26 news release.
A hard freeze is forecasted for this weekend, from the evening of Jan. 30 to the morning of Feb. 1, the National Weather Service New Orleans said in a Jan. 27 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Wind accompanying the cold temperatures will make conditions even more dangerous, according to the NWS New Orleans.
“Limit exposure to the cold if possible, and be sure to check on those who are more vulnerable to the cold temperatures,” weather experts said in the post.
Here’s what to know about hypothermia and frostbite so you can stay safe amid freezing temperatures in Mississippi.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a severe medical condition that happens when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, affecting how the heart, nervous system and other organs work, according to Mayo Clinic.
This is a medical emergency that can happen within minutes of a person being exposed to extreme cold, MSDH officials said.
These are symptoms of hypothermia, according to the MSDH:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion or feeling very tired
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
In babies:
- Bright red, cold skin
- Very low energy
What to do if you think you or someone you know has hypothermia
Here’s what you should do if you notice a person with any of these symptoms, according to the MSDH:
- Move the person into a warm room or shelter
- Remove any wet clothing the person may be wearing
- Warm the center of the person’s body — including the chest, neck, head and groin — with an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels or sheets
- If the person is conscious, a warm drink can help. Do not give them an alcoholic beverage
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap them in a warm blanket
- Get the person medical attention as soon as possible
What is frostbite?
Frostbite happens when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, making the skin change color and texture as it gets worse, according to Mayo Clinic.
Although an injury, frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body and even lead to amputation, MSDH officials said. These are some symptoms of the injury:
- Redness or pain in any skin area
- A white or grayish-yellow skin area
- Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- Numbness
This chart shows how quickly frostbite can happen:
What to do if you think you or someone you know has frostbite
If you see someone showing signs of frostbite, here’s what to do, according to the MSDH:
- Get the person into a warm room
- Do not walk on feet or toes with frostbite
- Do not rub the frostbite area
- Put the frostbite areas in warm water, comfortable enough to touch
- If water isn’t available use body heat to warm frostbitten area
- Do not use a fireplace, heating pad, electric blanket, heat lamp, radiator or stove to warm
How to stay safe from extreme cold temperatures in Mississippi
Stay inside as much as possible. If you have to go outside, here’s how to best dress for the cold, according to the NWS:
- Wear layers of loose-fitting and lightweight clothing
- If doing strenuous outdoor activities, avoid wearing cotton as it takes a long time to dry
- Wear tightly woven, water-repellent and hooded outer garments
- Wear a warm hatCover your mouth to protect your lungs
- Wear gloves or mittens
