What happens to your body when wind chills dip far below zero?
When the wind chill drops to 25 degrees below zero – a few degrees colder than what central Indiana could see Wednesday – frostbite can occur within 15 minutes.
That's according to the National Weather Service, which described the most at-risk parts of your body as those where blood circulation may be limited – fingers, toes, nose and ears.
When frostbite first sets in, feeling is lost and the skin takes on a white or pale appearance. If this happens, hold the chilled area close to warmer skin to return blood flow as fast as possible, the NWS advises.
Hypothermia is also a danger, and you don't need wind chills of 20 below zero for such low body temperature to set in. In fact, the NWS states, hypothermia deaths ca occur when temperatures are between 30 and 50 degrees. Wet clothing can increase the risk of hypothermia.
Hypothermia symptoms include: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness.
Tips for surviving cold temperatures
The NWS offers these tips for surviving dangerous wind chills and frigid temperatures:
Stay dry.
Stay covered.
Dress layered.
Stay informed -- watch for updates and advisories.
Keep your pets safe in freezing tem
"Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather," states the American Veterinary Medical Association. "It's a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it's untrue.
"Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather."
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Frostbite, Hypothermia: When does it occur in cold weather?
