LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) – The City of Lynchburg is encouraging residents to stay warm during the cold winter months and offers precautions to lower the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Tips to lower your risk:
- Wear cold weather-appropriate clothing like gloves/mittens, hats, scarves, and snow boots. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and cover your face and mouth if possible.
- Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause body heat loss.
- Stay dry, and if you become wet, head indoors and remove any wet clothing immediately.
- Limit your time outdoors.
- Make sure you monitor the time your children are out in the cold.
- Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
Frostbite symptoms are caused by freezing and should be taken into consideration. Symptoms are loss of feeling and color in affected areas, often the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or tows.
Hypothermia is when the body temperature decreases in which the body is unable to heat itself. Warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness.
If you experience symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, seek immediate medical attention.
It is also important to keep your pets safe by making sure they are bundled up and have plenty of food and water.