Skip to Content

Prevention

Frostbite & Hypothermia Safety for All

Cold weather doesn’t just bring discomfort; it can cause frostbite, which damages skin and tissue much like a burn, and hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature. Frostbite injuries often need the same specialized care provided by burn centers. Use these tips to help protect yourself and those around you when temperatures drop.


Download PDFFind a Burn CenterBurn First Aid

Everyday Prevention Tips

Be Prepared Before You Go Outside

  • Check weather forecasts and warnings. 

  • Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing. 

  • Wear hats that fully cover the ears, warm boots, and mittens instead of gloves. 

  • Drink plenty of warm fluids — avoid alcohol and caffeine. 

  • Limit outdoor activities when it’s extremely cold; take frequent breaks indoors. 

Keep Moving to Keep Warm

  • Physical activity helps maintain body heat. 

  • Shivering is an early warning sign — get indoors to warm up. 

  • Remove wet clothing right away and replace it with dry, warm layers. 

Know the Facts

  • Frostbite can damage tissue in a way similar to burns, sometimes leading to permanent injury. 

  • About 1,300 deaths each year in the U.S. are linked to cold exposure (CDC 2013). 

  • Men make up roughly two-thirds of hypothermia-related deaths. 

  • Alcohol and drug use increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. 

  • Infants, older adults, and people with heart disease or diabetes are at higher risk. 

What to Watch For

Frostbite

  • Freezing of exposed skin, often affecting fingers, toes, ears, or nose. 

  • Skin may feel numb or tingle; appearance can be red, pale, mottled, or white. 

  • The area can be painful when re-warming; blisters may form — keep them intact.

Hypothermia

  • Body temperature falls to dangerous levels. 

  • Signs include slurred speech, intense shivering, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.

Frostbite injuries often benefit from specialized care at burn centers. Transferring to a verified burn center within 12 hours can help save fingers and toes. 

What to Do

  • Move to a warm, dry place and remove wet clothing. 

  • Warm the center of the body first using blankets or warm (not hot) compresses. 

  • Offer warm, non-alcoholic drinks if the person is alert. 

  • Seek medical care promptly — especially for frostbite or signs of hypothermia. 

Car Safety in Cold Weather

  • Keep blankets, water, snacks, shovel, flashlight, and a charged phone in your vehicle. 

  • Carry a brightly colored cloth to hang from the car window if stranded. 

  • Stay inside the car, stay awake, run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour, and slightly open a window for ventilation. 

Why It Matters

  • Frostbite damages skin and tissue in ways similar to burns. 

  • Hypothermia can quickly become life-threatening. 

  • Early action and prevention make a difference. 

Disclaimer and Usage 

© 2025 American Burn Association. All rights reserved.

The materials on this page, ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-prevention-fact-sheets/frostbite-and-hypothermia, are the property of the American Burn Association (ABA) and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. These fact sheets may be reproduced, shared, and distributed without charge for non-commercial, educational purposes. Co-branding with your organization's name or logo is permitted; however, the ABA logo may not be removed, altered, or replaced without prior written permission from the American Burn Association.

These materials are provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The ABA assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage.