By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Officials with the American Red Cross want to ensure residents stay safe as bitter cold temperatures move into the region.
Executive Director for the Greater Kansas City and northwest Missouri area JoAnn Woody says if you are outside for any length of time, be attentive for any signs of hypothermia
"Hypothermia, shaking uncontrollably and maybe your nose is going numb or your toes or your fingers," Woody explains to KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
Woody adds to also be sure to limit your exposure to the conditions outside. People should also be aware of the signs of frostbite
"Numb fingers or discoloration of your fingers or your nose or your ear tips while you're outside," Woody says.
Woody says you should be aware of signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Woody says if you see those signs, it's important to seek medical attention
"Because there may be other complications from that," Woody points out. "Same thing with frostbite, flushed gray, white, blue, or yellow skin, numbness or waxy feeling those can be signs of frostbite, and not jumping into don't rub the skin vigorously trying to warm it up."
Woody says no matter how far you're going, be sure to bundle up properly before you get out.
"Making sure you're wearing safe walking apparel, you know nice boots that will keep you from slipping and sliding, a couple of layers of clothes, making sure you have a good, heavy durable coat on, protecting your ears and your nose so you're not breathing in that horribly, horribly, shocking cold temperature as well," Woody says.