Stuck outside in freezing cold or snow (hypothermia or frostbite)
Use when someone is outside or stranded in freezing weather or a snowstorm, is shivering hard, confused or very sleepy from cold, or has numb, white or gray skin.
In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
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.
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 Is something out of date?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.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
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.