Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MSEMA) said on its Facebook page that dangerous cold temperatures and low wind chills can cause frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged outdoor exposure and urged residents to take precautions.
The agency said frostbite can develop in minutes in extreme cold with high winds. It said children, older adults and people with circulation problems are at higher risk.
MSEMA urged people to dress in layers, wear gloves, hats and scarves to cover exposed skin, limit time outdoors when wind chills are extreme and warm up indoors frequently. The agency advised anyone who suspects frostbite to seek medical help immediately.
The agency also posted a shelter page for people who need a place to stay, a place to charge electronics or a warm space for a few hours: https://www.msema.org/get-assistance/disaster-resources/shelters-and-safe-rooms. It advised residents who do not see their area listed to contact local city or county officials for help. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
