Area hospitals said they're prepared to deal with upcoming bitter cold weather this weekend, and the problems - like frostbite or exposure - that may come with it.
Health care representatives from around MetroWest and the Milford-area have said, despite Thursday's massive snowstorm and the subfreezing temperatures that preceded it, the number of cold-related conditions had not markedly increased.
This weekend is expected bring extreme cold. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has warned of below zero temperatures, with wind chills in the minus-double figures. Wind chill advisories will be in effect through Sunday morning.
In such conditions, the state Department of Public Health has advised staying alert for emergency information, reducing outdoor activities for the whole family, dressing in layers and checking on friends, family and elderly neighbors.
Terri McDonald, the Milford Regional Medical Center director of public relations, said though there would be increased awareness about cold-related health problems over the weekend, the center's emergency department works to ensure it is ready for any circumstance.
"They're going to be ready no matter who walks in the door," she said.
McDonald said the center had not seen many problems caused by either Thursday's snowstorm or the extended cold snap that preceded it.
"There weren't a lot of individuals who came in with weather-related injuries or issues," she said.
Martha Rafferty, the nursing director at the Emergency Department of Emerson Hospital in Concord, said her department had not yet seen a case of frostbite - something she attributed to people heeding warnings and staying home.
"We have seen an increased incidence of the flu in the ED, which correlates to the increased incidence around Massachusetts," she said. "There have not been any increased incidents of snowblower-related injuries, or shoveling-related heart attacks ... patients coming in with slips and falls on the ice have been noted, but (it has) not been an overwhelmingly high number."
The number of people seeking care during Thursday's storm was low, said Rafferty. The department had expected this, as that is typical during severe weather.
"However, (during the day before and today) the volume has been very high, as patients have been able to get out of their homes and get to the Emergency Department," she said.
Hospital officials said they keep the cold in mind - for example, it makes warm clothes available for patients who are being discharged when temperatures are low.
Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.