Extreme Cold

Cold Impacts

Temperatures of 32F and below are considered extreme cold.

Extreme Cold and Effects on Health

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can happen when a person is exposed to very cold temperature for a long period of time. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it's produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body's stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature. People at High Risk: Hypothermia often occurs in -

  • Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating
  • Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms
  • People who remain outdoors for long periods—people experiencing homelessness, hikers, hunters, etc.
  • People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

Signs of Hypothermia:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Fumbling hands
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Bright red, cold skin

If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately.

Frostbite

Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part). You are at higher risk of frostbite if:

  • Have poor blood circulation
  • Are not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures

Signs of Frostbite:

  • A white or grayish-yellow skin area
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • Numbness

Treatments

  1. Seek medical attention.
  2. Get them into a warm room or shelter.
  3. Remove any wet clothing.
  4. Warm them under dry layers of blankets and clothing.
    1. Do not use: Heating pad, electric blanket, fireplace, heat lamp, radiator, or stove.
  5. Place areas affected by frostbite in warm-to-touch water.

Learn more about cold-related illnesses and how to respond at the CDC's website.