MADISON, Wis. – Doctors are warning about the dangers that extreme cold can pose in the coming days.
“Usually, when you see temperatures getting so low, you start to see a few more cases of frostbite,” said Dr. Jeff Pothof, Director of Quality at UW Health. “People who don’t have the ability to seek shelter and are out there in the cold and trying to do the best they can, but with these temperatures it is difficult to do that well.”
Pothof said that when temperatures reach close to zero degrees, freezing can occur in just 15-20 minutes. On Saturday night, cold wind temperatures are expected to reach -20 to -35 degrees.
“You think you are doing something that is quite safe. Certainly, when it’s 30 degrees outside, it’s safe. Now, it’s 40 below and you’re in a little trouble, ”said Pothof. “Your ears are numb, your fingers are numb, you can’t feel your feet. These are some of the first warning signs that you are headed for a freeze.
At Tenney Park on Friday afternoon, skaters prepared to face the cold.
“I dress in layers,” said John Bloodgood. “But the best way to keep warm when you’re out and about is to move. Make the blood circulate. Just don’t fall. “
“I wear two pairs of socks,” said Brendan Kielczewski. “Gloves and a hat are definitely needed.”
Fingers, ears and toes starting to go numb are a warning indicator for ulceration, said Pothof.
“When it’s very cold, the time between the moment I start to feel numb until the moment I start to lose color and my fabrics freeze, it causes real damage, it’s much shorter,” he said .
“Don’t feel uncomfortable wearing as many pieces of clothing as you need,” said Kielczewski. “Definitely as many pieces of clothing as you can. None of us looks so beautiful here when it’s cold, so you don’t have to worry about that either. “
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