As the bitter cold temperatures continue over the Raccoon Valley Radio-listening area, there are important reminders for protecting yourself from the extreme temperatures. 

Dallas County Emergency Management Coordinator A.J. Seely says the cold temperatures mixed with the high wind can create dangerous situations for people if they are outside with unprotected skin.

“For example if it’s zero degrees outside and we have a light 15 mile an hour wind you can get frostbite in about 30 minutes so that’s looking at a windchill of about negative 19 (degrees). So, you want to make sure that even if you’re going outside for that short of a time or even less you are well protected.”

Seely tells Raccoon Valley Radio some preventative measures include wearing gloves that are good at blocking wind and keeping heat in as well as wearing a good coat and proper footwear. Seely says some outdoor activities would be better suited for next week. 

“So, if you can push off whatever outdoor activity you need to have done until about that time, certainly might be a little bit less dangerous to be outside.”

According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines next Tuesday and Wednesday will have highs in the upper thirties compared to highs of single digits and teens from this week.