As bitter cold settles into the Finger Lakes and Central New York, the Union Springs Fire Department is warning residents about how dangerous extreme temperatures can be — and how quickly the cold can harm the body.
The department shared an infographic this week breaking down what happens to the body in freezing conditions, as wind chills plunge well below zero across the region.
The graphic explains that frostbite can begin faster than many people realize. In severe cold, skin and underlying tissue can freeze, often affecting fingers, toes, ears, and noses first. Early signs include numbness and pale or waxy skin. As frostbite worsens, skin can harden, blister, and suffer permanent damage.
Hypothermia poses an even broader risk. It happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing core temperature to drop. Mild hypothermia can bring intense shivering, confusion, and clumsiness. As body temperature continues to fall, shivering may stop, breathing slows, and the risk of death increases.
Wind chill plays a major role. The graphic shows that even moderate winds can make cold temperatures far more dangerous. At lower wind chill values, frostbite can develop in minutes, not hours.
The body reacts to extreme cold by tightening blood vessels in the skin, especially in the hands and feet. This helps protect vital organs but reduces circulation to extremities, increasing the risk of frostbite. Shivering is another defense, as muscle movement creates heat, but it can’t keep up in prolonged exposure.
The infographic also highlights how cold affects breathing, vision, and coordination. Cold air can irritate airways, icy eyelashes can blur vision, and reduced blood flow can weaken grip strength, making everyday tasks harder and more dangerous.
Fire officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and watch for warning signs in themselves and others. They also stress checking on vulnerable neighbors, including older adults and anyone without reliable heat.
Extreme cold can turn deadly quickly. The message from first responders is simple: take it seriously, stay prepared, and don’t underestimate how fast the cold can overwhelm the body.
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