While we're technically six days away from the official start of winter, those wintery conditions and temperatures have settled in right across Southern Alberta.

Cochrane is experiencing extremely cold temperatures this week with wind chill values dropping below minus 30 degrees.

EMS Public Education Officer, Stuart Brideaux warns that those wind chill factors are the greatest concern making the risk of frostbite and hypothermia very real.

While it's been ingrained in us to dress for the elements, Brideaux says that the most extreme weather ailments often go hand in hand with an unanticipated emergency.

"Generally, most people are quite well prepared for this," explains Brideaux. "But it's the instances where people actually find themselves in a situation they didn't think was going to occur, such as having a vehicle breakdown while commuting in town or between Calgary and Cochrane."

He says even if you're making a quick stop to the grocery store or doing the school pick up, to dress appropriately so you don't find yourself underprepared in those emergency situations. 

Brideaux says that frostbite is predominately the most common cold-weather injury to watch for and it typically affects the "pointy parts of the body" including fingertips, toes, earlobes and high points of the cheeks.

He strongly recommends limiting your exposure to the elements and covering as much skin as possible. For people who spend a lot of time working outdoors, Brideaux recommends dressing in layers and taking frequent breaks.

"When you're taking a break whether it's out of the wind or in a warm environment, just physically sometimes take off boots and check your toes, check your fingertips, and ensure that there's no early signs of frostbite setting in."

Those early signs to watch for include cold skin that's mildly painful, red and irritated. Brideaux says that in extreme cases the skin will be completely frozen, white and lose feeling.

Brideaux warns that kids are particularly prone to developing frostnip and frostbite.

"They tend to be less aware of their bodies and their bodies maintain and lose heat differently than adults," explains Brideaux. "Just ensure that they have breaks out of the cold, as well check that their toes are okay inside their boots and their fingertips and exposed skin is checked often."

Extremely cold wind chill values are expected to continue all week long in the Cochrane area.