These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Signs of danger
Hypothermia (body too cold): shaking hard, slurred speech, confusion, clumsiness, very sleepy. When shivering stops, it is getting worse.
Frostbite: skin turns white, gray or waxy and feels numb or hard, mostly on fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks.
If someone is very confused, won't wake up, or barely breathing, call 911 now. Handle them gently.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
2Warm them up
Get them inside or out of the wind right away.
Take off wet clothes. Wrap them in dry blankets, coats or sleeping bags. Cover the head and neck.
Warm the middle of the body first: chest, neck, head and groin. Sharing body heat under a blanket helps.
If they are awake and can swallow, give a warm (not hot) sweet drink. No alcohol.
Do not rub frostbitten skin. Do not use a heater, fire or hot water bottle on it, because it can burn numb skin.
Warm frostbite in warm (not hot) water for 20-30 minutes, only if it won't freeze again. Then get medical care.
Gila Regional Medical Center
Emergency room
575-538-4000 · 24/7:
911
1313 E. 32nd St., Silver City · 24/7
3Stranded in a car
Stay with the car unless help is very close. Call 911 and say where you are.
Run the engine about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Keep the tailpipe clear of snow and crack a window.
Tie something bright to the antenna and turn on the inside light at night so rescuers can see you.
NM Department of Transportation - NMRoads
Road conditions and closures (511)
511
· 24/7
Grant County Search and Rescue
Lost, missing or stranded person in the wilderness - call 911
911
Silver City · 24/7 via 911
4A warm place to go
At the Gospel MissionCome inside the Mission at 111 S. Texas St. during open hours (weekdays, breakfast 8:30-9:30, lunch 12-1).
At the Gospel MissionAsk at the Mission for a coat, blanket, gloves, a hat and socks.
Use the guide "No heat, or it's dangerously cold or hot" for warming places and heating help.
If they have nowhere to sleep, use the guide "A man alone has nowhere to sleep tonight".
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.