Frostbite Weather: When Your Skin Tingles, It's Time Go Inside

With below-freezing temperatures impacting the entire state, until later this week, police and medical experts encouraging Michigan residents and those visiting to be cautious when going out into extreme cold. The extreme cold can lead to frostbite – or worse.

And, not just young children and older adults are at risk, says Dr. James Ziadeh, the chief doctor of emergency services at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. "When we get extremely cold weather, as we've experienced the past 24 hours, we usually see some frostbite and hypothermia patients who have been out in the cold temperatures too long," Ziadeh said.

Frostbite symtoms include tingling skin and numbness, Ziadeh said. And, when you feel those symptoms, "it's time to go inside warm up before it's too late." Other frostbite signs to watch for include a change in the color of the skin from pink to pale or white, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Doctors also warn people to be watchful for signs of hypothermia, a life-threatening condition when a person's body temperature drops below 96 degrees. Symptoms include shivering, muscle stiffness, slurred speech, memory loss and irrational behavior.

A companion often notices these symptoms, so watch those people around while outside in the extreme cold – and listen to them when they suggest you might succumbing to the condition.

Meanwhile, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, warn residents to take extra precautions in the extreme cold temperatures.

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"Arctic blasts can create hazardous situations, residents are encouraged to monitor local weather and potential life-threatening temperatures," Capt. Chris A Kelenske Deputy State Director of MSP/EMHSD included in the statement.

Some suggestions from the State Police:

• Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear, such as hats, mittens, gloves, scarf, and a warm coat.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Take breaks frequently
• Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person's body more rapidly and could lead to severe hypothermia.
• Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.
• Weatherproof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.
• Check heating units. Poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. Test carb monoxide detectors for proper operation and battery life.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.
• Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold weather injuries.
• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Put warm clothing such as gloves, blankets, and hats, in your kit in case you become stranded.

MSP is encouraging Michigan citizens and visitors to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving, and any residents who may need assistance or guidance during the cold are encouraged to call 211.

Image Credit (NPS/Neal Herbert)