London, ON – With a forecast calling for ambient temperatures to drop to -22 degrees C overnight, with windchill values in the -30 range, the Medical Officer of Health has issued the Middlesex-London area’s second COLD WEATHER ALERT of 2015. This Alert comes into effect immediately and will remain in place until Wednesday, January 14th when the daytime high is expected to reach -7 degrees C. The first COLD WEATHER ALERT of the year, issued on Monday, January 5th and extended on January 7th, ended yesterday.

“After a brief break from the bitter cold last week, we are once again facing extreme weather that can cause injuries, if the proper precautions aren’t taken,” says Fatih Sekercioglu, Manager of Environmental Health with the Health Unit. “It’s very important for people who will be spending any time outdoors to cover exposed skin; that means wearing a hat, gloves or mittens and a scarf, in addition to a warm coat and pants.”

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:
Fatih Sekercioglou, Manager of Environmental Health