Prepare for Extreme Cold

Immediate Resources

• A list of local warming centers and shelters can be found at: Emergency Services Guide | City of Urbana (urbanaillinois.us).
• If you begin to feel anxious, lonely or in need of support while you shelter in place during extreme weather events, call the free 24-hour Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (a resource of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Dress for Cold Weather

• Dress in layers.
• Mittens are better than gloves.
• Keep your skin dry.

Watch for Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite happens when the body's survival mechanisms kick in during extremely cold weather. To protect the vital inner organs, the body cuts circulation to your extremities: feet, hands, nose, etc., which eventually freeze. To avoid frostbite, stay inside during severe cold, especially when the windchill is -50°F or below. If you must go out, try to cover every part of your body: ears, nose, toes and fingers, etc.  If you suspect frostbite is occurring, get indoors as quickly as possible. Until you can get indoors:

Once indoors:

• Don't walk on a frostbitten foot. You could cause more damage.
• Get in a warm, NOT hot, bath and wrap your face and ears in a moist, warm, NOT hot, towel.
• Don't get near a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer. You may burn yourself before feeling returns.
• Frostbitten skin will become red and swollen and feel like it's on fire. You may develop blisters. Don't break the blisters. It could cause scarring and infection.
• If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, go to a hospital as soon as possible.

When your body temperature sinks below 96°F, you have hypothermia, a serious health hazard that occurs when body temperature is lowered too much. Hypothermia can occur in temperatures as warm as 60°F, particularly in water or with if you are outside a long time and not dressed for the weather. Of the approximately 1,300 people who die from hypothermia each year, most are seniors, according to the National Institute of Aging, but some are children and young adults. Everyone needs to be careful. Some medicines, problems with circulation, and certain illnesses may reduce your ability to resist hypothermia. As you age, your body becomes less efficient at letting you know when you are too cold. In addition, older people tend not to shiver effectively, one of the ways the body warms itself up. To help prevent hypothermia: