London, ON – The winter of 2014 is once again tightening its icy grip on the London and Middlesex region, prompting the Medical Officer of Health to issue this year’s fourth Cold Weather Alert for the area. The latest Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to drop to a low of -17 degrees C later today, and for daytime lows to remain below -15 degrees C through the rest of the week. A predicted daytime low temperature of -15 degrees C or colder is one of the Health Unit’s criteria for issuing a Cold Weather Alert. The alert comes into effect this evening and will continue through Saturday, February 8.

“So far 2014 is behaving like the kind of Canadian winter we typically think of: very cold and lots of snow,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We need to remember how to prepare for the conditions. Dress in warm layers, cover up any exposed skin to avoid frostbite and limit the time you spend outdoors to prevent hypothermia. The worst thing you can do is underestimate the cold weather.”

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