London, ON – With a forecast overnight low of -15C, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding anyone who might be spending time outdoors this evening, or taking part in winter activities to dress for the conditions. The temperature is at, but has not crossed the Health Unit’s threshold for issuing a Cold Weather Alerts. In addition, the daytime high and overnight low tomorrow are expected to reach -7C. While these temperatures are not sufficient to trigger a Cold Weather Alert, they are still capable of causing skin damage and hypothermia.

“Even though we don’t currently have a Cold Weather Alert in effect, people need to plan ahead and dress for the conditions if they’re going to be spending any time outdoors,” says David Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health with the Health Unit. “It is best to cover exposed skin, dress in layers, and wear a hat and insulated gloves or mittens as we lose the most body heat through our heads and extremities.”

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 rewarming process may take up to 60 minutes.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570

Spokesperson:
David Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health