The National Weather Service has a wind-chill advisory in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday through noon Saturday. The chills could push down temperatures to 24 below zero.
The 'bomb cyclone' crippling East Coast will not spin its way into Stark County.
That's the good news.
But a wind-chill advisory - in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday through noon Saturday - in Stark County warns of frostbite possibilities.
The extreme conditions, "will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin," the National Weather Service warned.
The wind chills are not expected to get above zero, as low as 24 below. If precautions are not taken, frostbite and hypothermia can happen.
WHAT TO WEAR
According to WebMD.com, a person wearing tight clothing increases their risk of frostbite. It is better to wear three loose layers, which allows body heat to circulate.
- First layer should keep you dry.
- Second layer should insulate first layer.
- Third layer should be wind- and waterproof and cover the other layers.
In addition, a person should wear a hat or headband that covers ears, wear mittens (not gloves) and wear socks that insulate, according to MayoClinic.org. The website added that mittens provide better protection. If you only have heavy gloves, line them with a thinner pair of gloves.
And if you sweat, WebMD.com suggests, unzip for a few minutes. The wet clothes increase risk for frostbite.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
There are three stages - early, intermediate and advanced - of frostbite, WebMD.com reports. The symptoms are:
- Early stage: Pale yellow or white skin and skin itches, stings, burns or feels like 'pins and needles.'
- Intermediate stage: Skin becomes hard, looks shiny or waxy and when skin thaws, blisters form.
- Advance stage: Skin is very hard, cold to the touch and darkens (blue, then black).
WebMD.com also noted, "Some people don't know they have frostbite because as it gets worse, you can't feel the area anymore. That's why it's important to watch for changes in skin color."
WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN
If a person thinks they are frostbitten, WebMD.com recommends:
- Get inside a warm area. Do not rub skin or you might damage it.
- Soak affected hands and feet in warm - not hot - water. For noses or ears, use a warm washcloth. Do this for at least 30 minutes.
The website notes that as the affected area thaws, it may get red and you might feel a stingy pain. You can also go to an emergency room for care.