With the windchill potentially reaching the -50 mark this week, Environment Canada and Climate Change want to remind you of the dangers of frostbite.

Health effects like windburn and frostbite increase at wind chill values below -27. Meteorologist Terri Lang says there are some misconceptions out there about what windchill is.

"People think that the wind changes the air temperature, and it doesn't. When they hear the 'that feels like temperature,' they think, 'oh, that's what the wind has changed the temperature to become, you know, colder, but it hasn't,'" says Lang. "Windchill is a measure of how fast heat is lost from your body. So, you think about yourself as a hot cup of coffee outside. The stronger the wind blows, the faster heat is going to be carried away from your body."

Usually, during these cold snaps, the wind isn't as heavy so, it doesn't feel as cold, but it doesn't take much wind to bring those values up.

The risk of frostbite is greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. You should also consider if it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside.

Lang says heat can be carried away from your body very quickly.

"What that means is any exposed skin can freeze very quickly in just a couple of minutes. You can quickly go into hypothermia if you're not dressed properly, and we recommend people to cover all extremities if they have to go outside," says Lang. "Also, dress in layers. It provides air between the layers that keep you warm."

CAA Manitoba has also noticed an increase in the frequency of calls during this cold spell. Communication consultant Christa Mariash says during Feb. 5-7, the organization received 59 calls. Most of which were battery or boost related.

Province-wide, CAA rescued nearly 3000 members over the weekend. With the extreme weather continuing, CAA expects the demands will continue to rise.

Lang encourages you to carry an emergency kit with you because you never know when you may need it.