DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - As temperatures across the Quad Cities dip below the teens, health officials urge residents to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia — two cold-weather emergencies that can set in faster than many people realize.

Health experts said when the wind chill falls below zero, your skin can start freezing in minutes. The first signs of hypothermia and frostbite are often easy to miss.

Understanding frostbite

Experts said frostbite is skin damage caused by freezing temperatures below 32 degrees.

The areas most likely to be affected are your fingers, toes, ears and nose, though it can still develop under cold-weather clothing.

Early symptoms start with;

a “tingling” or “pins and needles” feeling

numbness

possible skin turning red, pale, or even a waxy w

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