**With wind chills in the area expected to reach as low as 20 below zero, health officials are urging caution when outside during the frigid weather.

Watch for early frostbite and hypothermia; numbness, and white or pale colored fingers, toes, ear lobes and nose. Treatment for frostbite is immediate submersion of warm, but not hot, water for 20 minutes to a half hour. If the symptoms don’t get better, see your doctor for further treatment.

Shivering, the first sign that the body is losing heat, is a good sign that it’s time to get out of the cold. Make sure babies and older people’s living areas are warm, as they lose heat faster that adults. When it is extremely cold stay indoors if possible and make trips outside as short as possible.

Other recommended precautions in extreme cold:

*Dress warmly and stay dry.

*Avoid exertion.  Ask your doctor about shoveling snow or other activities in the cold.

*Cover exposed skin. Wear a warm hat, gloves or mittens and a scarf or ski mask.

*Avoid perspiring or becoming overtired.

*Do not use alcohol or other mood altering substances, and avoid caffeinated beverages.

*Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing. Be prepared to take emergency shelter. Pack dry clothing, a two-wave radio, waterproof matches and paraffin fire starters with you.