London, ON – With temperatures of -15 degrees C and a forecast calling for frigid weather through the work week, Middlesex-London’s Medical Officer of Health has issued the region’s first COLD WEATHER ALERT of 2015. This Alert comes into effect immediately and will remain in effect until Thursday, January 8th when the current cold snap is expected to ease.

“The winter has been very mild so far, but the temperatures we’re experiencing this morning are cold enough to cause damage to exposed skin and could lead to hypothermia. Wearing a hat and gloves or mittens as well as dressing in layers are important strategies for beating the cold,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health with the Health Unit. “Our advice is to dress for the conditions and, as much as possible, limit the amount of time you spend outdoors.”

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 in later stages, a gray/white colour. 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 the homeless 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