‘As dangerous as it gets’: How to avoid deadly weekend temperatures

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Medical professionals say the arctic blast to come could bring ‘deadly’ conditions.

Dr. Joseph Lauro, an emergency physician at Miriam Hospital, broke down some of the health risks you and others could run into outside this weekend.

“Areas of exposed skin — the nose, your fingers, toes, your face — can experience frostbite very quickly,” said Lauro.

He explained frostbite could develop under 10 minutes on exposed skin. Hypothermia is also a concern — with symptoms of dizziness, shivering, and slurred speech.

Lauro added, “The two most common ways that we lose heat is from cold air passing over exposed skin from contact with a hard surface such as concrete or metal.”

He concluded that children, the elderly, and those with health conditions should use extra caution.

Rob Halpin of the Massachusetts SPCA also added advice for cat and dog owners.

“Walk around the block or walk around the first two houses in the neighborhood,” said Halpin to dog owners. “You can go around as many times as you want. But if you see any signs that the dog is getting very cold, you’re only a block or so away from a warm house out.”

He recommends cats do not go outside this weekend at all.

Halpin finished, “This is as dangerous as it gets for pets. Have as much empathy for the health and safety of our animals as we do our human relations.”