London, ON – With the Environment Canada forecast calling for overnight temperatures to drop to a low of -17C, the Medical Officer of Health has issued the Middlesex-London region’s third COLD WEATHER ALERT of 2016. This Alert will come into effect this evening as temperatures drop below -15C and will be lifted on Thursday morning as the mercury climbs above -15C, on its way to a forecasted daytime high of -3C.
“This most recent Cold Weather Alert will only be in effect for a short while, but it’s still important for people to plan ahead if they plan to spend any time outdoors tonight,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Health Unit. “In extreme cold like we’re expecting tonight, it can take as little as a few minutes for frostbite to take hold and damage exposed skin. If you have to be outside tonight, plan ahead, dress in layers and be sure to wear a hat, gloves and a scarf.”
Signs and symptoms of frostbite include when the skin turns red or blue, and even a gray/white colour in later stages. 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 the area 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.
Overexposure to cold temperatures could also result in hypothermia, which 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 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 with these symptoms requires emergency medical treatment in order to prevent coma or death.
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. 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
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570
Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector