London, ON – With the current Environment Canada forecast calling for overnight temperatures to reach a low of -18C this weekend, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is issuing a Cold Weather Alert and advising local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to the homeless to prepare for an increase in demand for their services. The Cold Weather Alert will be in effect starting tomorrow evening and continuing until Monday.
“The extreme cold we’re expecting overnight this weekend puts homeless people and outdoor workers at risk,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “At these temperatures, the cold can damage exposed skin in a matter of a few minutes, so it is important that the most vulnerable people in our community have access to warm shelter.”
Anyone spending time outdoors is asked to prepare for cold conditions by staying warm and dry. Wearing a hat and insulated gloves or mittens is recommended, as body heat is easily lost through any exposed skin.
Cold weather can be dangerous. 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.
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 of warming centres in the City of London, please visit www.london.ca.
Media Contact:
Alex Tyml, Online Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2560 or 226-236-1941
Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit