ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) — Local health officials have a warning about our extreme cold temperatures.
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.
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.
