Weather
Rhode Island Cold Safety: 2 Warning Signs Families Should Know
Providence, RI – As Rhode Island approaches the winter season, residents across Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport and communities throughout the Ocean State are being reminded of two potentially
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-11-04T16:34:43.066Z
Providence, RI – As Rhode Island approaches the winter season, residents across Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport and communities throughout the Ocean State are being reminded of two potentially life threatening cold weather conditions: frostbite and hypothermia. Although both are caused by exposure to cold, they affect the body differently and can become medical emergencies.
According to the National Weather Service, dressing in layers, covering exposed skin and limiting time outdoors can help prevent cold related injuries. Wind, wet clothing and prolonged exposure can increase the risk, particularly for people who work outdoors or spend extended periods in freezing conditions.
Frostbite vs. Hypothermia: What's the Difference?
Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, noses and other exposed areas.
Warning signs include numbness, tingling, unusual skin discoloration and skin that feels firm or waxy. Severe frostbite can result in permanent tissue damage.
Hypothermia, however, occurs when the body's internal temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Symptoms include intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech, extreme fatigue and poor coordination. In severe cases, shivering may stop, signaling a potentially life threatening emergency.
What Should Rhode Island Residents Do?
Anyone showing signs of hypothermia needs immediate medical attention. Call 911, move the person indoors, remove wet clothing and wrap them in dry blankets while awaiting emergency assistance.
For suspected frostbite, avoid rubbing affected skin or applying direct heat. Seek medical attention promptly.
The National Weather Service also encourages residents to protect pets, insulate exposed pipes, prepare for possible power outages and check on older adults and vulnerable neighbors.
Rhode Island's coastal winds and damp winter conditions can accelerate heat loss, making proper clothing and limited outdoor exposure especially important.
The critical difference: Frostbite freezes and damages body tissue, while hypothermia dangerously lowers the body's core temperature. Both conditions can occur simultaneously.