How to Identify When it’s Time to Seek Help
This time of year, individuals and families without permanent housing solutions are forced to stay vigilant for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. In this blog post, we will start by identifying ways to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. We will then point out the signs of both and how to seek help here in Kansas City this winter!
Ways to Avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia
When the weather is extremely cold, try to stay indoors at a warming center. Click here for more information on KCK warming centers and here for information about KCMO warming centers.
Remember, older adults, people who stay outdoors for long periods of time, people who drink alcohol in excess or use illicit drugs and babies sleeping in the cold are more prone to catching frostbite and hypothermia.
If you must go outside, seek out supplies to ensure you’re dressed as properly as possible and make sure you’re educated about who is at high risk for hypothermia and/or frostbite. The most common areas for frostbite are the nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers.
Local shelters are always looking for these new and like-new cold weather supplies to help the homeless community in Kansas City avoid frostbite and hypothermia:
- Scarves
- Knit masks
- Hats
- Water-resistant coats
- Mittens and gloves
- Water-resistant boots
- Layered loose-fitting clothing
Do a quick search in your area to find out which shelters are taking donations. If you are experiencing homelessness, we encourage you to seek out shelters gifting these materials to individuals to stay warm!
Spot the Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia
Victims of frostbite are often unaware of frostbite because the frozen tissue becomes numb. Some signs of frostbite to look for are:
- Redness or pain in any skin area
- White or grayish-yellow skin
- Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- Numbness
Hypothermia often occurs at very cold temperatures, but can occur at cool temperatures (above 40°F), if a person is wet (from rain, sweat or cold water) and becomes chilled. Some signs of hypothermia to look for are:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
For infants, common signs are:
- Bright red, cold skin
- Low energy
If an individual’s temperature drops below 95°, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
How a Homeless Individual Can Seek Free Medical Attention in Kansas City
Our friends at Care Beyond The Boulevard provide quality medical health care to the homeless community of Kansas City. They are committed to serve the homeless, uninsured, or otherwise vulnerable members of society with access to quality medical and mental health care despite adverse financial or social circumstances.
Care Beyond The Boulevard has several medical clinics throughout the week. Click here for more information about clinics and to learn the dates, times and addresses of free clinics across the metro area!
