London, ON – After what seemed like the beginning of the end for the winter of 2014, cold temperatures are about to return to the region. With an Environment Canada forecast calling for temperatures to drop to -18C this evening, the Medical Officer of Health has issued the year’s sixth Cold Weather Alert. A forecast calling for daytime low temperatures colder than -15C is one of the Health Unit’s criteria for issuing Cold Weather Alerts. The alert comes into effect later today and will continue through tomorrow afternoon.

“The mild temperatures we’ve had in the last week have prompted some people to think winter is over, even going so far as to wear shorts and t-shirts. Today’s snow and the cold weather that’s on the way are reminders that spring isn’t here yet,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “If you’re going to be spending time outdoors later today, tonight or tomorrow morning, plan for the conditions; dress in layers and cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.”

Hypothermia 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 their 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 found with these symptoms requires immediate 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 a gray/white. 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 homeless people to prepare for an increase in demand for their services. Members of the public who would like to help are asked to drop off donations of non-perishable foods, blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing to the following locations:

• Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre, 459 York Street
• The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, 281 Wellington Street
• Unity Project, 717 Dundas Street

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit