With continuing cold weather and bone chilling windchill values expected to settle over the Middlesex-London region for the next few days, the Middlesex-London Health Unit has issued its third Cold Weather Alert of the season. Coupled with a snowfall warning for the region, the current Environment Canada forecast calls for winds gusting between 30 and 50 km/h this evening, bringing windchill values of -18 overnight. Continuing winds Tuesday morning are expected to make it feel like -16 in the morning and -23 later in the day as temperatures fall to -14 degrees Celsius by the afternoon and -20 degrees Celsius overnight. Things don’t get any warmer on Wednesday as the daytime high only reaches a very cold -16 degrees Celsius with an overnight low of -23 degrees Celsius. The Cold Weather Alert will remain in effect into Thursday morning, when temperatures climb somewhat to a high of just -13 degrees Celsius, just over the Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert.

“This Cold Weather Alert is a little different from what we’ve already had this winter, as it will be in effect for several days, which means that we need to be even more vigilant about how to beat the cold,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Not only do we need to dress appropriately if we’re going to be spending any time outdoors, but it’s also a good idea to check on elderly family members and neighbours to make sure they are keeping warm as well.”

One of the biggest dangers from the bitter winds that often accompany cold winter weather is frostbite. Frostbite can happen to uncovered skin that is overexposed to the cold. Symptoms can include exposed skin turning red, blue or in later stages, grayish-white. 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.

Extreme cold weather can also bring the risk of hypothermia, which can happen 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.

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. For a list of warming centres, visit: http://www.london.ca/residents/Recreation/announcements/Pages/Warming-Centres.aspx.

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