With temperatures as low as 5 degrees predicted, take safety precautions when outdoors and traveling to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

CHENANGO COUNTY — With more frigid temperatures on the way, it's important to take safety precautions when spending time outdoors in winter weather.

Chenango County is under a cold weather advisory from the National Weather Service until noon today, with very cold wind chills as low as 25 degrees below Fahrenheit that "could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes."

In the upcoming week, the National Weather Service is predicting temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs up to 30 degrees.

During cold weather, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends making outdoor trips as quick as possible, and make sure to wear proper protection such as hats, mittens, scarves or knit masks to cover the face, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, water-resistant coats and boots, and several layers of loose-fitting clothing.

Wearing layers is important, according to the CDC, as it's important to stay dry when outside in the cold, as "wet clothing chills the body quickly." Excess sweating, such as when shoveling snow, can cause the body to lose more heat, so wearing layers allows individuals to remove a layer of clothing if they get too warm while still staying protected against cold temperatures.

It's also important to keep an eye on shivering. According to the CDC, "it's an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside."

Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk for adverse effects related to outdoor activities in the winter. Those with asthma are at risk of asthma attacks when breathing in cold, dry air. Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow their doctor's advice when it comes to outdoor work, as cold weather puts extra strain on the heart.

Those who plan to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, or camping in the winter should take safety precautions before setting out. The CDC advises individuals to let friends and family members know where they're going, don't leave any areas of skin exposed, try not to sweat or become too tired, be prepared to take emergency shelter, avoid walking on ice, and do not use alcohol or drugs.

Before setting out into the cold for recreational activities, individuals should also pack dry clothing, a two-way radio, waterproof matches, and paraffin fire starters.

Anyone engaging in outdoor winter activities should also be aware of the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

According to the CDC, hypothermia, or an abnormally low body temperature, "is a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures." Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.

"If you notice any of these signs, take the person's temperature. If it is below 95° F, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately. If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up," the CDC recommends.

Frostbite, another danger of spending time in the cold, "is a type of injury caused by freezing. It can lead to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually 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)," according to the CDC.

Warning signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. Those that notice signs of frostbite should seek medical attention immediately.

Motorists should take extra care when traveling during the winter season. The CDC advises drivers to check the National Weather Service for reports of any travel advisories, not to travel in low-visibility conditions, and avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges.

Drivers should also avoid pouring water on windshields to remove ice or snow, as it can cause the windshield to shatter, use tire chains, and bring a cell phone with them while traveling. They should also let friends and family members know where they will be traveling to and their estimated time of arrival, and instruct them to contact emergency services if they are late.

Winter emergency supplies should also be kept in the vehicle. The CDC and Ready.gov recommend keeping extra warm clothing, blankets, jumper cables, flares, ice scrapers, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand for better tire traction inside the vehicle in case of emergencies.

In the event a driver is stranded during winter travel, the CDC says "staying in your car when stranded is often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice covered."

Additionally, stranded motorists should tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of their car to signal rescuers, and raise the hood of their car if it is not snowing. they should also run the motor and heater of the car for about ten minutes every hour, slightly open one window to let in air, and make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

To stay warm, individuals should wrap their entire body, including their head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. They can also huddle with other people for warmth, continue to move arms and legs while sitting to improve circulation and stay warmer, and avoid eating snow, as it can lower body temperature.

Drivers should also move anything they need from the trunk of the car to the passenger area, and try to stay awake, as they will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.

For more information on cold weather safety, visit CDC.gov/winter-weather/safety/.

For weather updates in the Chenango County area, visit Weather.gov or download the Norwich/Chenango EMO app.