Winter is here and with it the extreme cold!

Protect yourself and stay safe out in the elements with the below tips:

Limit your exposure outdoors and dress in layers to help prevent hypothermia and frostbite. In cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, which can lead to serious health problems. Watch the video below for more tips on what to wear when out in the cold.

The following are warnings signs of hypothermia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately.

A person who has frostbite may not know they have it until someone else points it out because the frozen parts of their body are numb.

What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?

If you notice redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:

A white or grayish-yellow skin area

Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy

Numbness

If you notice signs of frostbite on yourself or someone else, seek medical care. Check to see if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia and seek medical care immediately.

Use only safe sources of alternate heat. Heating is one of the leading causes of fires in the United States. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February. CLICK HERE for tips to safely heat your home.

According to Suffolk County SPCA, cold weather can be as dangerous for pets as it is for humans. CLICK HERE for tips to help protect your pets during the cold weather.

Check on your neighbors and those vulnerable to the cold. If you need a warming center - contact your town or check out the links below: