WYOMING, Mich. -- With a Winter Weather Advisory extended until 11 a.m. Wednesday for Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon and Oceana counties, it is dangerously cold outside, obviously.
Christa Wagner is a registered nurse and an emergency department clinical coordinator at University of Michigan Health-West. She says people should stay inside during the frigid weather, but wear warm winter clothing if they have to go outside.
"So, when we're going outside we want to make sure we're putting on a scarf. Maybe a head-covering, if you have that," Wagner said. "A facial covering around the mouth. A hat, a water-resistant coat and boots. Also, warm mittens or gloves, and several layers of loose-fitting clothing."
Wagner said you should seek medical attention right away if you think you may have hypothermia.
"Remove all wet clothing immediately. Place yourself in a warm area. So, you're going to want to go back inside," she said.
She said do not put skin under hot water.
"You should use just regular warming methods of being inside, putting on new layers of dry clothing. And maybe put yourself under a blanket," Wagner said.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has several tips and information about hypothermia on its website.
Wagner said it is recommended not to walk on frost-bitten feet or toes, if possible.
"You're not wanting to place electric blankets for warming, and you should not rub or massage those areas that have been frost-bitten, as it can cause further tissue damage," she said.
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