(WSIL) -- It's dangerously cold. If you must be outside, local doctors say keep in mind how quickly you can get frostbite.
Frostbite happens when skin freezes. The Harrisburg Medical Center says if exposed skin freezes badly enough a person can lose not only the skin but also the entire frostbitten body part.
They say we should be dressing in layers and think of the three Ws: wearing something that wicks as your bottom layer, follow that up with wool and then a layer that's wind or water resistant.
They suggest covering exposed areas like your hands, feet, face and ears. The medical center also says staying hydrated can help, too.
"It doesn't take that long to get frostbite if you're diabetic, if you smoke, if you're under the influence of alcohol. Those are complicating problems," said Harrisburg Medical Center Chief Medical Officer, James Alexander.
If you get frostbite, the center recommends trying to warm back up gradually. They say it's best to stay away from fire and hot water.
