With Environment Canada forecasting weekend temperatures in the region plummeting to as low as -16 C — and -18 C with the wind chill — the local public health agency has issued a cold weather alert.
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Southwestern public health issues these alerts when Environment Canada forecasts an air temperature of -15C or lower or a wind chill of -20 C or lower, which is expected Saturday evening and into Sunday morning.
During a cold weather alert, residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves from the cold to avoid health complications such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Those most vulnerable to these cold temperatures include older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and homeless people who do not have shelter, proper clothing or a stable food supply.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35 C, affecting the ability to think clearly and move well.
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If you suspect hypothermia, immediately seek medical attention. Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Infants may have red, cold skin and very low energy.
Frostbite
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.
Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. If you think you have frostbite, seek medical care.
What you should do:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Dress in warm layers when going outside (jacket, loose fitting clothes, hats, mittens, etc.)
- Cover up all exposed skin
- Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly
- Avoid strenuous exercise while out in the cold as much as possible
- Prepare your home and car for winter
- If you see someone who may be suffering from hypothermia, call 911 immediately
- Find a public warming center at Cold Weather – Southwestern Public Health (swpublichealth.ca)
- Residents in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas are recommended to monitor the weather forecast to evaluate the risk of exposure to cold as conditions could change
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