Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning.
Environment Canada issues an extreme cold warning when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 30°C for at least two hours.
The CKPHU would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that extreme cold puts everyone at risk for hypothermia and frost bite.
Overexposure to cold may result in hypothermia, which occurs when the body temperature drops below normal. Normal body temperature ranges from 36.1° to 37.8° Celsius (97° to 100° Fahrenheit). Symptoms of hypothermia may include pale skin, lethargy, confusion and hallucinations. In the initial stages a person may shiver a lot, but as their body temperature drops shivering may also decrease.
Symptoms of frostbite include:
– Areas of skin turning red, blue or a grey/white
– Pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in fingers, toes, ears and nose which are most susceptible
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 30-60 minutes.
– Seek emergency medical treatment for a severe, blistering case of frostbite.
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).
To avoid hypothermia or frostbite people are advised to:
– Dress warmly in layers—with warm gloves and boots.
– Wear a hat—30% of body heat escapes through the head.
– Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration (remember that drinks containing caffeine can dehydrate).
– Alcohol consumption makes hypothermia more likely.
– Limit outdoor activity.
Remember not to leave pets outside for any length of time – they are just as susceptible to the dangers of cold as we are.
For more information contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519.352.7270.
