Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning in Chatham-Kent, as a period of very cold wind chills is expected.
Forecasters say hazards include wind chill values between minus 30 and minus 35.
This is expected tonight, January 28, 2022 through Saturday morning, January 29, 2022.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” forecasters say.
“Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.”
Forecasters added: “Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.”
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
CK Public Health officials say these conditions create an elevated risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Symptoms of frostbite include:
– Areas of skin turning red, blue, or 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.
CK Public Health officials say hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below normal. Normal body temperature ranges from 36.1° to 37.8°C (97° to 100°F). 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.
In a severe case of hypothermia, a person becomes unconscious, their breathing is shallow, and their pulse is irregular and hard to detect. Individuals 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).
To avoid frostbite or hypothermia:
– Dress warmly in layers, with warm gloves and boots.
– Wear a hat, as 30% of body heat escapes through the head.
– Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration (drinks containing caffeine can dehydrate).
– Alcohol consumption increases the risk of hypothermia.
– Limit outdoor activity.
Remember not to leave pets outside for long, as they are also at risk from overexposure to extreme cold temperatures.
For more information, contact CK Public Health at 519-355-1071, or visit our website at www.ckpulichealth.com.
