London, ON – With frigid temperatures expected for the next few days, the Medical Officer of Health has issued Middlesex-London’s second Cold Weather Alert of 2014. In addition to the Wind Chill Warning currently in effect for the area, the latest Environment Canada forecast calls for low air temperatures to drop below -15 degrees C, which is one of the Health Unit’s criteria in issuing Cold Weather Alerts. The alert comes into effect immediately and will continue through the afternoon of Thursday, January 9th, when daytime low temperatures are expected to rise above -15 degrees C.

“When you combine the very cold temperatures we’re expecting over the next few days with high wind chill values, the result is conditions that can have dramatic effects on health,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “If you’re not dressed for the conditions and if you don’t limit your time outdoors, and this goes for people and animals alike, exposed skin can freeze within a few minutes and frostbite and hypothermia can set in quickly.”

Hypothermia 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 their 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 found with these symptoms requires immediate 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, 663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit