Photo Courtesy of National Weather Service

The Dallas County Health Department encourages residents to stay safe as dangerous cold temperatures are expected to stick around this weekend.

The National Weather Service estimates wind chills to range from teens to single digits below zero through Sunday. County Health Educator Natalie Del Vecchio says it’s important for residents to stay indoors as much as possible in these conditions. 

Though she adds that if you must go outside, be sure to dress warmly and cover all exposed skin. Del Vecchio details that this includes dressing in multiple loose layers and wearing tall socks and boots, thick mittens or gloves, a hat and a scarf or face mask.

She adds that exposed skin can become frostbitten quickly with the below zero wind chills. Del Vecchio explains that early warning signs include numbness, tingling, or skin that appears pale, white, or waxy, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears and noses. 

Del Vecchio details that if you suspect that you have frostbite, move to a warm place immediately and carefully warm the affected area with warm (not hot) water for 30 minutes. Avoid direct heat or rubbing, which can damage the skin more. Seek medical attention for severe cases, as you may need to be checked for potential tissue damage.

She adds that another concern in this weather is hypothermia, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Del Vecchio outlines that warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, cold and pale skin, slurred speech, confusion or memory loss and slow breathing or pulse. 

If someone appears to have hypothermia, she says to seek medical attention immediately. Get to a warm place right away and use dry blankets, towels, or clothing to warm them up. Offer warm drinks if the person is able to swallow safely.

Del Vecchio says this weekend’s cold snap is also a good time to check on others. She encourages community members to reach out to elderly neighbors, people living alone, or anyone without dependable heat as a quick phone call or visit can make a critical difference when temperatures turn dangerously cold.