Extreme cold warning issued for Chatham-Kent

Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning for Chatham-Kent.

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Wind chill values ​​near minus-30 C are expected Monday night into Tuesday. Extreme cold conditions may persist through Wednesday.

Cold conditions create an elevated risk to health, including frostbite and hypothermia, Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit said in a release Monday.

Symptoms of frostbite include:

• Areas of skin turning red, blue, or grey/white.
• Pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in fingers, toes, ears and nose.

If you suspect frostbite:

• Gently warm the affected skin or immerse in warm, not hot, water.
• Don’t rub the area. Re-warming may take 30 to 60 minutes.
• Seek emergency medical treatment for a severe, blistering case of frostbite.

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below normal. Normal body temperature ranges from 36.1 C to 37.8 C (97 F to 100 F).

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Symptoms of hypothermia include pale skin, lethargy, confusion and hallucinations. In the early stages, a person may shiver, but as their body temperature drops shivering may decrease.

In a severe case of hypothermia, a person becomes unconscious, their breathing is shallow, and their pulse is irregular and difficult to detect. People with these symptoms require immediate emergency medical treatment.

If you suspect someone may be suffering from hypothermia:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• If possible, move the person to a warm area and dress them in warm clothing.
• Offer warm water, juice or milk.
• Do not offer alcohol or hot drinks. Alcohol alters blood flow, making surface blood vessels open wider allowing the body to lose heat faster, providing a false sense of being warmer.

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To avoid frostbite or hypothermia:

• Dress warmly in layers, with warm gloves and boots.
• Wear a hat, as 30 per cent of body heat escapes through the head.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Limit outdoor activity.

Homeless people or those lacking shelter, water, or food, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme cold. Anyone experiencing homelessness should call the homeless response line at 519-354.-6628 (24/7) for support.

Do not leave pets outside for long, as they are also at risk from overexposure to extreme cold temperatures.

For more information, contact public health at 519-355-1071, or visit ckpublichealth.com

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