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Cold temperatures pose dangers to those outside

"For some it's a matter of life and death and we want to keep them alive."

As the temperatures plummet, the dangers of being out in the cold increase.

For people who live outside, others who works outside, and even animals, when the thermometer drops, the threat becomes real.

"It's just cold, and we don't want anyone freezing to death out there," said Burt Rosen of Knox Area Rescue Ministries. "For some it's a matter of life and death and we want to keep them alive."

KARM was at capacity Tuesday evening with homeless individuals and people who don't have adequate heating in their homes. Many are forced to ask for help when the winter temperatures dip so low.

"We make sure that if people need socks and gloves, toboggans, whatever they need to keep themselves warm, we're trying to provide that," Rosen said.

Man's best friend is also susceptible to the cold.

Tennessee laws protect animals from cruelty and abuse and it can be a crime to leave them out in the cold.

"If you see an animal and you feel like it does not have adequate shelter, go ahead and call animal control because hypothermia is something any dog can face," said Courtney Kliman with Young Williams Animal Center. "What you want to do is basically protect their paws because they can get frost bitten just like humans can."

If you see a dog out in the cold and think they are in danger, you can call animal control.

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