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As you wake up real temperatures are as cold as 10- to 20-below this morning and wind chills for parts of southern Houghton County could dip to 35-below. A wind chill advisory remains in effect until 11 AM.
Michigan State Police shares some tips and precautions to help deal with the frosty conditions. They are reminding you to limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. When windchills are 35-below, frostbite can set in after just ten minutes on exposed skin. Signs of frostbite include numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, tough, waxy skin, or loss of color around the face, fingers and toes. Hypothermia presents itself through shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.
There are dangers inside as well. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by only using generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Do not use a gas stovetop or oven as a source of heat.
Shoveling is a hard activity on the body. Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion. Lastly, MSP suggests checking on your neighbors, particularly the very young or elderly as they are more vulnerable. If your parents live on their own, away from you, local law enforcement agencies will conduct welfare checks for your peace of mind if a neighbor is not able to be contacted. And don’t forget about pets.
