Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
In adults, warning signs of hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion or feeling very tired
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
Drowsiness
In babies, signs include bright red, cold skin, and very low energy.
To Avoid Hypothermia:
- Wear warm, multi-layered clothing that protects your skin from being exposed to the outside elements.
- If possible, change into dry clothes whenever clothing becomes wet.
Find appropriate shelter to stay warm - if you do not have sufficient heating in your home, call your local municipality to locate the nearest warming center.
When Can This Become A Medical Emergency?
If a person is showing the signs of the symptoms of hypothermia and their temperature is below 95° F — get medical attention immediately. Call 911, and while waiting for emergency personnel, try to warm the person up by covering them with dry clothes & blankets, offering warm drinks (avoiding alcohol), and prioritizing warming the chest, neck, and groin areas first.
Frostbite
Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing temperatures. It can lead to a loss of feeling and change in color on the parts of the body it affects, usually the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and in severe cases, it can lead to amputation.
Signs of frostbite include:
- A white or grayish-yellow skin area
- Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- Numbness
To Avoid Frostbite:
- Dress in multiple layers of clothing, use hand/feet warmers if outdoors for an extended period of time, and locate a place to shelter.
Don't Wait—Take Action!
If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical care immediately. Call 911 or your local medical practitioner.
Safety Tips For Working Outdoors
Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris, or pushing a car, can increase the risk of a heart attack. To avoid this:
- Stay warm by dressing in layers, utilizing hand warmers, and covering up exposed skin
- SLOW DOWN when working outdoors. Take frequent rests to avoid over-exertion
- If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw radiating down your arm -- STOP and seek help immediately
Additional Health & Safety Resources
To find a warming center in New York, you can:
- Contact your local government to find a location near you.
- Dial 211 to speak with a representative or visit 211nys.org.
- See if there is an open shelter and warming location near you. If you do not see one in your area, please contact local officials.
Additional Resources:
Cold Weather Tips: From the NYS Department of Health.
Winter Weather: Before, During, and After: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discuss how to prepare for winter storms, prevent cold temperature-related health problems, and protect yourself during all stages of a winter storm.
Video Resources:
FEMA Accessible: CDC Preparing for Winter Weather
Stay Warm this Winter - Avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia