With the recent drop in temperatures, the Downers Grove Fire Department is offering the following tips to help residents stay safe and injury free.

Exposure to cold can cause serious conditions such as frostbite or hypothermia.

In general, people should make sure they dress appropriately before going outdoors. This includes dressing in layers, making sure your head and ears are covered by a hat, wearing mittens or gloves and wearing waterproof, insulated boots. Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket and by drinking warm fluids like soup. Do not give caffeine or alcohol if you are trying to help someone with suspected hypothermia or frostbite.

Frostbite is an injury to the skin and tissues under the skin caused by freezing. In extreme cases, frostbite will cause loss of feeling and discoloration to the affected area that can lead to permanent body damage or amputation. Extreme temperatures are amplified by wind, humidity and wet weather. Everyone is susceptible to frostbite, but those most at risk are children, the elderly, people with circulatory disorders, smokers, the homeless and alcoholics. 

Frostbite is classified by three levels of severity:

First degree, often called frostnip, presents as numbed, white skin that feels stiff to the touch. Risk is minimal if treated properly and early.

Second degree, or superficial frostbite, will present as white to blue skin that feels hard and frozen. The risk of blistering and permanent damage is greatly increased. This must be treated immediately; medical attention is recommended.

Third degree, or deep frostbite, presents as white, blotchy and/or blue skin. The tissue underneath is damaged and feels hard and cold. Immediate medical attention is a must for this life-threatening condition.

If you notice any tingling or numbness, get out of the cold. Monitor young children closely. They often play long and hard and ignore how uncomfortable they have become. Treatment for first- and second-degree frostbite includes removing any wet clothing, keeping the individual warm and dry with clothes and blankets, providing warm fluids to warm the core and submerging the affected area in warm water (101-104 degrees). Continue to add warm water as needed and keep the affected area submerged until the skin turns pink. Do not rub the area.

Hypothermia can be a serious medical condition. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately and attempt to warm the patient as described above until medical help arrives.

In Downers Grove, if the outside temperature is below 20 degrees and accompanied by indoor temperatures below 50 degrees, the village will offer assistance. It is recommended that people in these circumstances contact the Village Operations Center at (630) 434-5703. 

If you have elderly parents or neighbors who live alone, check on them periodically during the cold weather to make sure they are coping appropriately with these conditions. Offer to run errands, when possible, so they can stay indoors where it is warm!

Marsha Giesler is the public education officer with the Downers Grove Fire Department.