London, ON – The weekend’s bitter cold continues to grip London and Middlesex County as temperatures continue to hover around -15C with windchill values of -23. Today’s Environment Canada forecast is calling for a daytime high of -11C, before things head back into the deep freeze overnight with a low of -20C and windchill values of -24. Therefore, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is extending its current Cold Weather Alert until Tuesday, January 22, when temperature will climb to a daytime high of -4C.
Anyone spending time outdoors or taking part in winter activities later this afternoon and into this evening, is reminded to prepare for the conditions.
It’s important to not underestimate the dangers of cold weather. Overexposure may result in hypothermia, which occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms can include pale skin, lethargy, confusion and hallucinations. Individuals may shiver in early stages of hypothermia, but 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 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 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.
To view a list of warming centres in the City of London, please visit www.london.ca. 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.
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, Middlesex-London Health Unit