PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island emergency management officials are urging people to take precautions in the bitter cold and to use warming centers set up in cities and towns across the state.
Many municipalities will be operating the centers through at least Saturday. Already low temperatures in the region feel even colder with the wind chill.
Health officials recommend dressing in layers outdoors, dressing warmly even indoors and removing clothing if it gets damp or wet.
Officials also say to watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Symptoms of frostbite can include loss of feeling and loss of color, often on the nose, ears, fingers or toes. Symptoms of hypothermia can include shivering, confusion, fumbling hands and slurred speech in adults and bright red and cold skin and low energy in infants.
