London, ON – A wintry blast has descended on the Middlesex-London region, prompting the Medical Officer of Health to issue Middlesex-London’s first Cold Weather Alert of the New Year. The Alert comes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until Saturday, January 4th when temperatures are expected to rise above -15 degrees C.

“The temperatures we’re expecting over the next couple of days will be cold enough to cause damage to exposed skin and could lead to hypothermia. It’s very important for people to bundle up and dress for the conditions if they intend to spend time outdoors,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health with the Health Unit. “While we recommend limiting the time you spend outdoors today and tomorrow, if you have to be outside dress in layers and cover exposed skin as much as possible.”

Overexposure to cold temperatures may result in hypothermia, which occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms may include pale skin, lethargy, confusion and hallucinations. Individuals may shiver a lot in the early stages of hypothermia, but shivering may decrease as body temperature continues to drop. In severe cases of hypothermia individuals lose consciousness, their breathing becomes shallow and their pulse becomes irregular and hard to detect. Anyone with these symptoms requires emergency medical treatment in order to prevent coma or death.

Frostbite can also occur in skin that is overexposed to the cold. Symptoms include skin turning red, blue or a gray/white. Individuals may also experience pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in the fingers, toes, ears and nose, which are most susceptible to the cold. If you suspect frostbite, warm the affected area by placing it next to warmer skin or immerse in warm, but not hot, water. Do not rub the affected area, and seek emergency medical treatment for cases of severe, blistering frostbite. The re-warming process may take up to 60 minutes.

The Health Unit is also advising local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to homeless people to prepare for an increase in demand for their services. Members of the public who would like to help are asked to drop off donations of non-perishable foods, blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing to the following locations:

• Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre, 459 York Street
• The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, 281 Wellington Street
• Unity Project, 717 Dundas Street

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570

Spokesperson:
Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health