The Virginia Department of Health is warning about the dangers of extremely cold temperatures.

Health officials say frostbite can permanently damage your fingers and toes. The symptoms include loss of feeling and a pale appearance to the skin.

Officials say you can avoid frostbite by wearing several layers, and keeping your hands adequately covered.

They also warn about hypothermia, which happens when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees. The symptoms include slow speech, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering and apparent exhaustion.

Hypothermia can be treated by getting the victim dry and wrapping him or her with a warm blanket.

Health officials say you can avoid losing body heat by wearing a hat, because half of your body heat is lost through the top of your head.

They also warn about winter deaths, saying 70 percent of them happen to people in their automobiles.