Local health officials urge caution as freezing temperatures move in
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Bitterly cold temperatures are expected this weekend and local health officials are urging residents to prepare themselves.
According to the American Heart Association, when exposed to the cold, the body can lose heat faster than it's produced.
Kristi Billings, interim clinic supervisor at the St. Joseph Health Department, said the body prioritizes protecting major organs when exposed to cold.
"Moving blood supply from the hands and feet, all the organs that are not needed to survive," she said.
Billings said shivering is the body's first line of defense against freezing temperatures.
“It tries to keep the internal organs warm. The shivering causes your body to try to build on its heat supply," Billings said. "When you stop shivering is when you should be concerned," she said. "That means the body is no longer in response to the cold. That’s probably when you should seek medical attention."
Billings said there are several signs of hypothermia and frostbite that can develop quickly.
"Numbness, cold, burning, losing color in hands, feet and face. Any confusion or delayed slurred speech," Billings said. "Depending on your body, maybe five and 30 minutes. It’s all different for each person, so it doesn’t take super long for those to occur."
Billings recommended dressing in layers when it's freezing.
“You want to make sure the first layer you're wearing keeps moisture off your body so you don’t become wet that causes more problems," she said. "Then you want to add another layer on, and your outer layer should be your biggest."
Staying indoors is the most effective way to be protected from the cold.
"Making sure they’re (people) not standing outside long if they have to be out there, make sure if they’re traveling, keep supplies to keep warm," she said. "If they are going be outside, make frequent go inside to get warm. Don’t stay out too long."
Billings said if possible, try to stay indoors during the freezing temperatures.
