Health officials are urging people to use caution if they have to be outdoors during the bitterly cold weather.
Dr. Sarah Moyer with the Louisville Metro health department said exposure to sub-zero temperatures and wind chills can quickly turn dangerous, leading to hypothermia and frostbite in a matter of minutes.
“Things to what out for frostbite are loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, earlobes and the tip of your nose. The big thing with this is it starts to turn red and gets painful at first and then you won’t notice it,” Moyer said.
Moyer said those who have to be outdoors to dress appropriately and make cover those areas vulnerable to frostbite. She said there are indoor safety precautions to take as well.
“If you must use space heaters and fireplaces in your house, just make sure your carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector batteries are replaced,” Moyers cautioned.
Forecasters say wind chill readings could be as cold as -30 at times for the next two days.
