South Dakota Winter Survival Guide: Protect Against Frostbite

Winter in South Dakota is coming up fast. That means the return of the cold. Not just any cold, though. We're talking the deep, arctic chill of South Dakota cold. Before we know it, we'll have those days when the temperature doesn't even get above zero.

Then, when you add wind to the cold, things can get really dangerous. So, even if you've lived in the Sioux Empire your whole life, it's still a good idea to be safe during the extremely cold weather.

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We're not just talking about folks who work outside. When the frigid air invades Sioux Falls, even just a few minutes out in the cold can be bad, especially for exposed skin.

When the temps are below zero, we need to be aware of frostbite. I've been aware of frostbite my whole life, but I've only been vaguely aware of what it actually is.

MORE: What Exactly Is Wind Chill and How Is It Calculated?

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What is Frostbite, and What To Do About It?

I know that covering up my skin is the best way to avoid frostbite. And that the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes are the most susceptible. But how do I recognize it, and what should I do?

The Centers for Disease Control says:

Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part). -CDC.gov

Think of frostbite like the literal freezing of your flesh. The worse it gets and the longer it's left untreated, the worse the damage can be.

How Do I Spot Frostbite?

First things first, if you are going to be out in the cold, cover up. Exposed skin is most vulnerable to frostbite. Wear a hat and gloves, and if necessary, cover your face.

The first signs of frostbite are skin redness or pain. I always say that if it hurts, you still have time. The redness and pain are signals to get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin.

Signs of Frostbite:

• Reduced blood flow to hands and feet (fingers or toes can freeze)
• Numbness
• Tingling or stinging
• Aching
• Bluish or pale, waxy skin

What to Do If You Think It Might be Frostbite?

If you've been out in the cold and your fingers hurt, then you start to lose feeling in them, it's time for action. If you can't get inside immediately, cover the area and try to warm it up with body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers. Pull your hands into your coat or cover your face.

As soon as you get inside, the CDC suggests you do this:

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.
• Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
• Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

These procedures are NOT substitutes for proper medical care. Frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider.

RELATED: Is It Safe for Your Pets to Be Outside on Cold Weather Days?

Staying completely out of the cold all the time is not an option for most people. And it's easy to get complacent in our modern world. Going from well-heated houses to warm cars, then into heated buildings, we can forget the danger that the South Dakota winter brings.

When it's below zero and that wind is blowing, it can take seconds for frostbite to set in on the most vulnerable parts of our bodies. A long walk across a parking lot could turn into disaster.

Cover up, think ahead, and stay warm, South Dakota winter ain't no joke.