Penza, 2 January 2016. PenzaNews. A spell of freezing cold has settled in the Penza region, as the temperature dipped below -20ºС at night into Saturday, January 2. Based on the information provided by the regional hydrometeorological and environment monitoring center, the abnormally cold weather in most areas of the region will last through January 6, with average daytime temperature keeping at least 7ºС below the normal level.

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The Penza region EMERCOM central department urges the citizens to follow a set of simple rules to avoid hypothermia and freeze burns during the cold and windy weather.

The weather of this kind makes multilayered clothing a must, with the topmost clothing level being waterproof.

Feet can be protected by reinforcing your footwear with warm insoles and wearing wool socks instead of thin cotton.

If your legs get too cold, do not take off your shoes, as you will not be able to put them back on if the feet get swollen: instead, seek warm shelter as quickly as possible.

Always leave home wearing mitts, a warm hat, and a scarf. The ideal choice is a pair of water- and windproof mitts inlayed with fur, as gloves made of natural materials provide poor protection in strong cold. Cheeks and chin should be protected with a scarf, while open skin must be treated with a special cream to prevent frostbite.

If your hands get too cold, you can warm them on the inner part of your upper legs.

Take off metal jewelry, such as rings and earrings, during the cold weather, as metal makes it easier for you to get a freeze burn.

Do not warm yourself up with alcohol: imbibing only creates an illusion of warmth, while in practice it makes the body lose heat more quickly and makes it harder to notice frostbite.

After getting back home, always inspect yourself for any signs of frostbite, including on your arms and legs, back, ears and nose.