With bitterly cold wind child temperatures in the forecast, officials at Rural Metro ambulance are trying to get the word out about protecting yourself if you are outdoors. That's especially true Tuesday night when a lot of people will be going out for New Year's Eve, or maybe watching the fireworks celebration in downtown Rochester.
Rural Metro spokesperson LaShay Harris says you really need to dress properly to avoid frostbite.
"The most important thing that people also need to understand is that your body gives off the most heat through the head, so it's very important that you wear a hat, cover those ears and your hands, those are key things to staying warm, as well as your feet, making sure that you have good insulated footwear. "
And Harris cautions about drinking too much alcohol and staying outside for too long. She says alcohol can mask the symptoms of hypothermia, giving you a false sense of warmth.
Rural Metro will have personnel stationed around the downtown area during the fireworks celebration in case anyone does need medical help.
