Watch for Frostbite

With the extremely cold weather forecast for the mountains of Northeast Georgia over the next few days, people are encouraged to watch for frostbite.  The warning signs include white or grayish-yellow skin, numbness, and skin that feels unusually firm or waxy.  If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.  If medical help is not available, get the victim to a warm location and immerse the affected area in warm water.  Frostbitten areas are numb and can be easily burned so avoid using heating pads, fireplaces, or radiators for warming.  Do not rub the frostbitten area; this could cause more damage.  Watch for signs of hypothermia, including shivering, memory loss, fumbling hands, slurred speech, and drowsiness.  If the victim’s body temperature is below 95 degrees, seek medical help immediately.  If medical help is not available, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first using an electric blanket and if conscious, give the victim warm, non-alcoholic beverages.