Recognizing Dangerous Cold Stress
Original preparedness explainer · Reviewed as a draft October 29, 2026 · General U.S. guidance
Frostbite and hypothermia are medical emergencies that may begin subtly. Shivering, confusion, numbness or unusually pale/waxy skin deserve attention.
Move to a warm sheltered place and seek urgent professional help for suspected hypothermia or serious frostbite. Ready.gov advises warming the center of the body first for hypothermia.
Do not rub frostbitten tissue or apply direct high heat. Contact emergency services when symptoms are severe.
Watch official winter weather alerts; prepare warm layers, safe home heating, food and medication supplies. Carbon monoxide alarms and safe generator placement matter especially during outages.
Put this into action
Choose one manageable improvement today. Confirm current warnings and local instructions with your city/county emergency management agency and the National Weather Service.