A doctor is warning millions of people across the US to stay inside this week as just a few minutes outside could end up being fatal.
This comes as weather warnings say a major winter storm could be set to impact the US this weekend.
And according to health experts, there is safety advice we should all follow that could potentially save lives.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dr Alina Mitina, who is an emergency room physician at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, said: “In the ER, we see many cases of hypothermia and frostbite that were entirely preventable. We frequently treat individuals who went out for ‘just a few minutes’ without proper gear.
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“This includes people walking their dog, going for a short walk or having their car break down. They are often dressed for a quick trip, not for prolonged exposure and are caught off guard.”
Mitina went on to warn people on how long is too long to be outside in the freezing temperatures.
She explained: “For a properly dressed and healthy adult, exposure should be limited as much as possible. Taking breaks in a warm place every 20 to 30 minutes is good practice. For vulnerable individuals, or if you are not adequately dressed, you could be in danger in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.”
This could come in handy over the next few days as a severe winter storm is set to target southern and eastern US from Friday and into the weekend with heavy snow and ice expected.
So, what is the key to combatting the cold? Layering up, according to Miltina.
She continued: “Your first line of defense is proper clothing. Layer up with several layers of loose-fitting clothing with the inner layer moisture-wicking fabric like wool or silk to draw sweat away from your skin.
“Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and will make you colder. Wet clothing chills the body very quickly. If you start to sweat or experience shivering, remove a layer of clothing to prevent getting damp.”
The expert went on to say: “Protect your head with a warm hat, as a significant amount of body heat is lost through your head. For your hands, mittens are typically warmer than gloves. Wear waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and a scarf or mask to cover your face and mouth, which also helps protect your lungs.”
It looks like it’s time to wrap up warm because it’s going to get very cold!