COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs saw record breaking temperatures over the last couple of days.
"These below freezing temperatures is just reaching a havoc on the city right now," said Captain Grant Tinker of the Colorado Springs Fire Department.
The dangerous temps have caused pipes to burst, water mains to break, and quite a few visits to the hospital.
Dr. Mike Loew is an MD at Penrose Hospital, he says the number one way to prevent frost bite is to dress appropriately.
"Make sure your nose is covered, ears are covered, maybe have glasses on, and a really good coat," said Dr. Loew.
Dr. Ian Tullberg, MD is the medical director for UCHealth urgent care clinics, and he wants to remind folks to look out for the colors red, white, and blue when it comes to frost bite.
First the area will turn red, "the body is trying to allow more blood to the areas, that's why your ears and nose get red just because the body is trying to get the blood there and keep it warm," said Dr. Tullberg.
Then you will notice white, and finally blue.
So, at this point, Dr. Tullberg suggests that you run the area of concern under warm water, and to stay out of the elements entirely.
"If you re-warm something, and then freeze it again you are going to have so many more issues," said Dr. Tullberg.
In addition to the hospital visits, there have been quite a few water main breaks.
Including, Kneaders Bakery on Northglenn.
"Obviously it is not going to get a lot warmer today and tonight so as we have big leaks like this you can imagine that the water has to go somewhere," said Captain Tinker.
Captain Tinker says the bakery will most likely be closed until the pipes are fixed.
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