London, ON – Despite taking a while to arrive, a wintry chill will descend on London and Middlesex County this evening, prompting the Medical Officer of Health to issue the region’s first Cold Weather Alert of 2016. The Alert will come into effect tonight at 10:00 p.m. when the temperature drops below -15C and will remain in effect until tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m., when the mercury is expected to rise above that threshold.

“Our concern is for those who will be spending any length of time outdoors tonight; that includes our most vulnerable citizens who may not have adequate shelter and those who may be working or spending time outside,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “When the outdoor temperature drops below -15C, there’s the risk of hypothermia and the danger that exposed skin could be damaged by frostbite. The best bet is to wear several layers of clothing as well as gloves and a hat.”

Hypothermia, which occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below normal, can result from spending time in the cold. 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 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
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570

Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector