Chicagoans bracing for extreme winter cold are urged to take precautions seriously by medical experts. Frostbite and hypothermia can be life-threatening conditions, making it crucial to dress warmly and stay indoors as much as possible.
National weather officials warn that temperatures near zero can cause frostbite in just five to 10 minutes. Accidental hypothermia can also occur rapidly. To avoid these risks when going outside:
Limit your time outdoors
Dress in multiple layers to retain heat
Cover exposed skin, including head, face, ears, and hands
Be aware of numbness, tingling, or pain – these symptoms may signal frostbite
Watch for signs of hypothermia: slurred speech, stumbling, disorientation, drowsiness, fatigue, or uncontrollable shivering
Avoid consuming alcohol, which can lower core body temperature and increase heat loss.
Preventing frozen pipes is also crucial. A plumber advises increasing your home's temperature before extremely cold weather sets in. This will help prevent issues like bursting pipes. Some preventative measures include:
Leaving tap water running to keep it moving through the pipe
Opening cabinet doors under sinks or where pipes feed appliances to spread warm air
Homeowners can save around $1,000 in damages and labor costs by taking these precautions.
During extremely cold conditions, those without a warm place to stay can seek shelter at six warming centers operated by the city. Additionally, some libraries and police stations may also serve as temporary warming centers.
When using space heaters or fireplaces safely:
Keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials
Use battery-powered lights instead of candles
Never use an oven to heat your home
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're functioning properly
National weather officials warn that temperatures near zero can cause frostbite in just five to 10 minutes. Accidental hypothermia can also occur rapidly. To avoid these risks when going outside:
Limit your time outdoors
Dress in multiple layers to retain heat
Cover exposed skin, including head, face, ears, and hands
Be aware of numbness, tingling, or pain – these symptoms may signal frostbite
Watch for signs of hypothermia: slurred speech, stumbling, disorientation, drowsiness, fatigue, or uncontrollable shivering
Avoid consuming alcohol, which can lower core body temperature and increase heat loss.
Preventing frozen pipes is also crucial. A plumber advises increasing your home's temperature before extremely cold weather sets in. This will help prevent issues like bursting pipes. Some preventative measures include:
Leaving tap water running to keep it moving through the pipe
Opening cabinet doors under sinks or where pipes feed appliances to spread warm air
Homeowners can save around $1,000 in damages and labor costs by taking these precautions.
During extremely cold conditions, those without a warm place to stay can seek shelter at six warming centers operated by the city. Additionally, some libraries and police stations may also serve as temporary warming centers.
When using space heaters or fireplaces safely:
Keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials
Use battery-powered lights instead of candles
Never use an oven to heat your home
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're functioning properly
. I mean, we all know that extreme winter weather can be brutal, but it's the little things that can make all the difference between a cozy night in and a trip to the ER due to hypothermia 
. I've been following these guidelines from medical experts and plumbers alike, and it's reassuring to see that some basic precautions can save us from a world of hurt 
. Leaving tap water running, dressing in layers, and keeping an eye on those symptoms are all good reminders that we don't have to be snowed under by the cold 
. And kudos to the city for setting up warming centers – it's a small act of kindness that can make a huge difference to folks who need it most 
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. People need to get their act together already! It's not that hard to bundle up and stay indoors for a bit, especially with all the fancy warm centers set up around the city. But noooo, we have to hear about frostbite and hypothermia... can't we just focus on staying cozy instead? 
And what's with all these precautions? I mean, come on, use some sense! Just keep your head down, grab a hot cup of cocoa, and you're good to go. Oh wait, I forgot - not everyone has access to that luxury. So yeah, please, for the love of warmth, just take care of yourself and seek shelter if needed 
oh man i'm literally shivering just reading about this 
frostbite is like no joke fam you can go from being all warm and fuzzy inside to freezing your butt off in like 5-10 minutes 
those symptoms are super subtle but can sneak up on you quick as a whip 
i mean what even is the point of having a city that's supposed to be all about progress and stuff if we're gonna freeze our arses off because some weather forecast says it's gonna be cold? 
can't we just...i don't know...build some giant snowmen or something to distract us from this whole frozen nightmare? 
my heart goes out to everyone who has to deal with this. stay safe, chicago! 
. What's with all these people thinking they can just go outside without proper gear? Like, put on some decent gloves and a hat already! 
. Just leave that tap running or open those cabinet doors and you're golden 
. Warming centers are available, so if you're struggling, take advantage of 'em 
. Just remember to stay safe and warm this winter 
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. and dont even get me started on hypothermia - its like a silent killer or something 
. and btw, those ppl who r struggling 2 find a warm spot? yeah, u can get help @ warming centers 
Stay indoors as much as possible, bundle up like crazy with layers, hats, gloves, and scarves, and keep an eye out for those numbness and tingling symptoms - they're super early warnings signs 
And if you're struggling, those warming centers are there for you 
. Safety first, everyone!