A very cold weekend is on the way, with the mercury expected to dip to nearly -17C Saturday night, then to -21C overnight Sunday, breaching the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert. The current Environment Canada forecast is also calling for plenty of snow this weekend, which could cause dangerous conditions for driving and for walking. The Health Unit is reminding those planning to spend time outdoors to take precautions and dress for the conditions in order to avoid possible cold-related injuries. The Alert is expected to remain in place until the morning of Monday, January 21, when the Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to increase to a daytime high of -11C but remain cold overnight.
“Temperatures like those we’ll see over the weekend can have an impact on our bodies; the weather can damage exposed skin and can lead to hypothermia if you aren’t dressed accordingly,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Being aware of local weather forecasts and dressing for the conditions by covering exposed skin, wearing gloves and a warm hat, and dressing in layers are important steps in reducing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.”
Hypothermia happens when a person’s internal body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms can include pale skin, drowsiness, confusion and hallucinations. While individuals may shiver in the early stages of hypothermia, shivering may decrease as body temperature drops. In severe cases, 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 uncovered skin that is overexposed to the cold, especially in damp and windy conditions. Symptoms include skin turning red, blue or in later stages, a gray/white colour. Individuals may 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 tonight.
If you see someone who is outdoors and in distress due to the cold, contact London CAReS at 519-667-2273. If you feel the situation is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. To view a list a list of warming centres in the City of London, please visit www.london.ca.
Media Contact:
Linda Stobo, Program Manager, Chronic Disease and Tobacco Control,
Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2388, or 519-617-0169 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit