London, ON – Extreme cold will descend on the London and Middlesex region this weekend, causing daily low temperatures to drop below -15 degrees C for the next few days. According to the latest Environment Canada forecast, the mercury is expected to drop to an overnight low of -17 degrees C tonight, then close to -19 degrees C on Sunday night; in addition, temperatures Saturday and Monday nights are expected to be close to -15 degrees C. With temperatures expected to be below, or close to, the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s temperature threshold, the Medical Officer of Health has issued the region’s fourth Cold Weather Alert of 2015. This Alert comes into effect this evening and will continue until Tuesday, February 3rd, when the daytime high is expected to reach -8 degrees C.
“It’s going to be important for people taking part in winter activities, or even shoveling their driveway this weekend to plan in advance and dress appropriately for the conditions,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Even if you’re expending energy and getting warm while you’re outside over the next few days, keep your skin covered. That means wearing a hat, gloves or mitts, and a scarf, because exposed skin can freeze within a few minutes.”
Signs and symptoms of frostbite include skin turning red or blue, and even a gray/white colour in later stages. Individuals may also experience pain, numbness and stiffness in their 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 the area in warm, but not hot, water. The re-warming process may take up to 60 minutes. Do not rub affected areas, and seek emergency medical treatment for severe, blistering frostbite.
Overexposure to cold temperatures could also result in hypothermia, which happens 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 however shivering may decrease as core 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.
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, 663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit