South Bend Police share tips to stay safe in cold weather

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—With temperatures in the single digits, South Bend Police are offering tips to stay safe in the cold.

Police say if you don’t have to leave the house today, don’t. If you do, bundle up. Wearing multiple layers allows the air to flow around your body and keep you warm.

Next, they suggest checking the forecast to know what you’re in for. If you’re doing outdoor activities like ice fishing, police suggest calling the DNR for an update.

They also ask you look out for your elderly neighbors. Some might try to save money by turning off their heat and you could save their life, just by checking in on them.

If you do have to go outside, try to limit the time you spend in the cold and be aware of the signs of frostbite.

“Try to limit how long you’re going to be outside, especially if it’s going to be this cold. If you’re starting to feel the signs, you’ll start shivering uncontrollably, maybe your fingers will start to turn white, that’s usually potentially hypothermia or frost bite starting to kick in. So your body will tell you when it’s time to go in,” says Ken Garcia, SBPD Spokesperson.