London, ON – With the current Environment Canada forecast calling for overnight temperatures of -20°C and wind chill values approaching -30, the Medical Officer of Health has issued the Middlesex-London area’s seventh Cold Weather Alert of 2015. This Alert comes into effect immediately and will remain in place until Monday, March 2nd.

“The cold weather is here to stay this week and no amount of wishful thinking is going to change the extremely cold temperatures that we’re expecting, says Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It’s important to take cold temperatures seriously because frostbite can damage exposed skin in a matter of minutes and hypothermia can lead to serious health concerns. Our advice is to limit time spent outdoors, but if you have to be outside dress in warm layers and wear a hat, gloves and a scarf.”

Hypothermia is a condition 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 however shivering may decrease as core body temperature continues to drop. In severe cases, individuals lose consciousness, their breathing becomes shallow and their pulse becomes irregular and hard to detect. Anyone with these symptoms requires immediate emergency medical treatment in order to prevent coma or death.

Frostbite is a condition which occurs when skin is exposed to extremely cold conditions. 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.

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
• Rotholme Women's and Family Shelter (for families), 42 Stanley Street

Media Contact:
Alex Tyml, Online Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2560 or 226-236-2941 (cell.)

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