Temperatures as low as -11 are predicted for Washington County this weekend, which can be dangerous for those outside. 

Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen encourages all residents to take necessary precautions to avoid frostbite if you spend anytime outside. Signs of frostbite include numbness, white or gray/yellow skin and firm or waxy skin. Reisen shares what to do if you experience any of these symptoms, “Immediately remove yourself from the cold environment, so go to a warm room. You can soak in warm water, not hot water, just like lukewarm water. You don’t not want to warm yourself up too quickly because that can actually cause damage. You do not want to massage your fingers, your toes or use a heating pad. A heating pad is too high of heat for that slow change in temperature.”

Reisen added that if your symptoms do not improve after attempts to warm your body, residents should seek medical attention. According to the National Weather Service, hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature has dropped below 96 degrees. This can lead to serious health risks as your heart, nervous system and other organs cannot function properly when body temperature drops. Reisen says that simple ways to fight off the cold weather is to dress properly and cover more vulnerable areas such as your hands, feet, nose and ears. For more information on winter weather safety tips, visit here.