With temperatures at dangerously cold levels, people would be wise to limit their exposure to the outdoors today.

Extremely cold temperatures are upon us and can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values, and anyone exposed to extreme cold is susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes.

Frostbite is the freezing of a specific body part such as fingers, toes, the nose or earlobes.

Signs of frostbite are a lack of feeling in the affected area; and skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored (flushed, white or gray, yellow or blue)

If someone has frostbite:

• Move the person to a warm place.

• Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.

• Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm. water (100-105 degrees F) until it appears red and feels warm.

• Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.

• If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them separated.

• Avoid breaking any blisters.

• Do not allow the affected area to refreeze.

• Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Sherry Nealon, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, shared tips to avoid getting frostbite.

”To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, it’s important to be aware of the wind chill and dress appropriately before going outside,” Nealon said. “You should layer your clothing with gloves and a hat. Also, make sure to take breaks from being out in the cold.”

Nealon added ”if you or someone you are with is turning very pale or getting numb in their fingers, toes, ears or nose - get out of the cold immediately.”

She said the Red Cross Emergency app is a great tool to keep handy during the winter months. It’s free to download and provides real-time weather alerts and tips on how to stay safe in cold weather.

The National Weather Service warns that areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet.

Symptoms include cold skin and a prickling feeling, followed by numbness and inflamed or discolored skin. As frostbite worsens, skin may become hard or waxy-looking.

Hypothermia is another threat during extreme cold, and occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.

If you go out, be sure to wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Cover your hands with mittens instead of gloves.

Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothing and cold weather can cause you to lose body heat more quickly.

Wear loosefitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing made of tightly woven, water-repellent material is best for wind protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better than cotton does.

Stay as dry as possible. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible. Be especially careful to keep your hands and feet dry, as it’s easy for snow to get into mittens and boots.

Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies, with a high near 17, northwest winds of 5 to 10 miles per hour, and wind chill values as low as zero.

Tonight is expected to be mostly clear, with a low around 12.

Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 35.

Thursday calls for mostly cloudy skies, with a high near 41.