Keep yourself safe in the icy conditions of Western Montana

Missoula, Montana – Even though it’s still chilly outside in Western Montana, it’s crucial to protect yourself against hypothermia and frostbite when you’re outside.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests keeping your nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers covered.

In addition, don’t forget to pack a scarf or knit mask to protect your lips and face when you go outside. To keep their heads warm, you should provide them with a hat, and for the rest of their bodies, you should wear a water-resistant coat.

Finally, water-resistant boots are essential to keep your feet warm. Mittens and gloves are also necessary for keeping your fingertips warm. Additionally, wearing numerous layers of baggy clothes is advised.

The following people are most vulnerable to hypothermia or frostbite:

• Older adults without proper food clothing or heating.
• People who stay outdoors for long periods.
• People who are unhoused, hikers, or hunters.
• People who drink alcohol in excess or use illicit drugs.
• Babies who are sleeping in cold rooms.

When someone is outside in cold weather and gets chilly, they are more likely to suffer from hypothermia, which often happens when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.

Adults experiencing hypothermia may exhibit symptoms such as shivering, fatigue, disorientation, clumsiness, memory loss, slurred speech, and sleepiness. It might manifest in babies as low energy and bright red, chilly skin.

It’s also critical to remember that people should seek medical assistance right away if their body temperature falls below 95°.

The following are some warning indicators of frostbite:

• Skin may be red or painful is the first sign.
• Skin could look white or grayish-yellow if frostbite continues.
• Skin can also start to feel unusually firm or waxy.
• Experiencing numbness.

You must seek immediate medical attention if you believe that you or someone you know is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove any weather clothing.
• Warm the person under dry layers of blankets and clothing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises anyone suffering from frostbite not to walk on their affected feet or toes and advises against using a stove, fireplace, heated blanket, or heating pad. Lastly, avoid massaging any frostbitten areas.