When the wind chill goes into negative territory, it doesn't take long to cause frostbite.
Helen Sandkuhl is the administrative director of emergency medicine at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and has these warnings about frostbite.
"If the wind chill is -15 to -25 (degrees), you can have a pretty significant frostbite to uncovered body parts in about 30 minutes," she warned KMOX Health Editor Fred Bodimer. "If it's -35 degrees, a person can experience frostbite within 10 minutes of being outside with uncovered body parts."
Many parts of Illinois are expected to reach wind chills of -25 degrees or below between Tuesday night and Thursday morning. Governor J.B. Pritzker made a disaster proclamation Tuesday, allowing for more state resources and personnel to aid communities affected by the severe cold.
We are facing potentially historic weather in Illinois. I’m issuing a disaster proclamation so that the State of Illinois can use every tool at our disposal to provide relief to our residents and keep them safe. https://t.co/oxN5UAEWL4 pic.twitter.com/p9G139bzxX
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker)
January 29, 2019 One of the things Pritzker warned about was the increased risk of frostbite. Sandkuhl says body parts that see frostbite the fastest include fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin -- so be sure to wear a scarf that covers the neck and face, multi layers including snug long sleeves, waterproof coat and shoes. She also warns that mittens are better than gloves.
The cold weather heading our way Tuesday night into Thursday morning may bring us to temperature lows we have never seen before, and it poses a serious threat to the well-being of people around the state. pic.twitter.com/nuAETE1S0J
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker)
January 29, 2019 We need everyone to do your part and make sure you and your families are prepared. I also want the people of Illinois to know that our government is here to serve you, and our state workers and leaders are taking all necessary actions to keep our communities safe.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker)
January 29, 2019 Visit https://t.co/sthMqE5iF9 to learn more about preparing your home and family for dangerous winter weather.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker)
January 29, 2019
