01/24/2026
We hope that you are inside and safe. The weather outside is extremely cold and the roads are slick. If you do not have to get outside, please do not. If you get stuck, you may have to wait for hours for help. In these temperatures, being outside for only a few minutes without proper clothing can cause frostbite.
Hypothermia can begin much faster than most people realize. When temperatures are near or below freezing, the body can start losing heat faster than it can produce it. In severe cold, early signs of hypothermia can develop in as little as ten to fifteen minutes, especially if there is wind, moisture, or inadequate clothing. As body temperature drops, people may experience intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech, clumsiness, extreme fatigue, and loss of coordination. As hypothermia worsens, shivering can stop, mental confusion increases, and a person can lose consciousness. Without prompt warming and medical care, hypothermia can be life threatening.
Extreme cold weather is also dangerous to the body in other ways. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin, most commonly on fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks. Frostbite can develop in minutes when wind chills are very low. It begins with numbness, tingling, and pale or waxy looking skin, and can progress to permanent tissue damage if not treated quickly. Cold temperatures also place extra strain on the heart and lungs, which is especially dangerous for older adults and people with heart disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions. Breathing extremely cold air can irritate the airways and trigger shortness of breath or chest pain.
Please take this weather seriously. Stay indoors if at all possible. Dress in layers if you must go outside, including hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated footwear. Keep pets inside. Check on elderly neighbors and anyone who lives alone. If you or someone you know is in need of shelter or a warming station, please dial 211 for assistance. Your safety is our top priority.
