Your risk of hypothermia or frostbite will be skyrocketing as temperatures plunge and winds ramp up. Here's how to keep yourself and the most vulnerable safe.
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00:00This past week, here in New Jersey, families were out playing at playgrounds similar to this one because the temperatures were warm enough to do so.
00:08Heading into this weekend and leading into next week, that'll be a different scenario as temperatures will continue to drop across the central and eastern parts of the United States.
00:19It's not just the thermometer reading that has experts concerned.
00:23Bone-chilling winds will make the cold feel even colder, creating conditions where frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly.
00:31Health experts say it's about paying mind to your environment.
00:35Staying indoors, staying in a warm place, wearing good protective clothing, making sure that you're bundled up well, particularly for your extremities, your hands and your feet, which get less blood flow.
00:46Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin when wind chills are extreme.
00:51Fingers, toes, noses and ears are the most vulnerable.
00:55It's hypothermia, though, that doctors say is the biggest concern.
01:00People initially start to get confused. They have cardiac issues where their heart output will decrease.
01:06They can even start slowing down in their breathing and have other systemic issues.
01:11Preparation is key. Taking precautions now can prevent serious health risks later.
01:17People at increased risk should be aware both of their environments, making sure that they are in an area where they can stay warm, where they can stay bundled up, making sure that they're around other people.
01:30If you have to be outdoors, layering is key with insulated, waterproof outerwear and hats, gloves and scarves to protect extremities.
01:39Keeping skin dry is also crucial since wet clothing can accelerate heat loss.
01:44If you can, check on your elderly neighbors, friends or family members who might struggle with the cold.
01:50And don't forget pets. They are susceptible to the cold, just like humans.
01:55For AccuWeather, I'm Allie Reed.