RISK FACTS

RISK FACTS

When exposed to low temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.

Too-low body temperature affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well.

Hypothermia is most likely to occur at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40 ∞F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water.

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing.

Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.

Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

Sources: Ohio Emergency Management Agency and Ohio Department of Health