While winter has been mostly mild so far, a blast of frigid weather will move into the London and Middlesex County area over the course of today. While the Environment Canada forecast is calling for temperatures that approach the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for a Cold Weather Alert, they are not sufficient to trigger a Cold Weather Alert. A snow squall warning is currently in effect and temperatures are expected to fall throughout the day to a low of -9° Celsius with a wind chill near minus 19; the mercury will continue to drop overnight to a low of -13° Celsius.
Though not cold enough for a Cold Weather Alert, the Health Unit is taking the opportunity to remind anyone who will be outdoors this evening, or taking part in winter activities like skating at Victoria Park, to prepare for the conditions, which can change rapidly.
“We see people every winter who don’t take the cold seriously, who don’t wear gloves or hats, winter boots or even a warm coat. Underestimating the cold can lead to hypothermia, frostbite or other health concerns,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It’s important to take a few moments to prepare before heading out into the cold. Make sure to dress in layers and cover exposed skin that can easily be damaged by winter’s frigid bite.”
Hypothermia happens when a person’s internal body temperature drops below normal. In addition to the cold, the risk of hypothermia increases significantly in wet conditions, so it’s important to not only stay warm, but to stay dry as well. Symptoms of hypothermia 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.
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