Municipal officials say Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Chatham-Kent.
Wind chill values near minus 30 degrees Celsius are expected tonight into Tuesday morning.
Extreme cold conditions may persist through to Wednesday, January 22nd. Cold 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.
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.
– Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
– Limit outdoor activity.
Homeless persons, and/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.
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.
Also, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent would like to issue a reminder that Hope Haven in Chatham is operating as a warming centre from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
They are located at 183 Wellington Street West, Chatham.
Hope Haven is also open daily from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
All branches of the Chatham-Kent Library are also available as warming centres during regular operating hours.
