Extreme cold weather health warning for the KFL&A region

Extreme cold weather health warning for the KFL&A region 

Kingston — With Environment Canada’s forecast calling for windchill values of near minus 30°C to as low as minus 35°C for the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington region, the South East Health Unit (SEHU) is issuing an extreme cold weather health warning, which will begin tonight and is expected to last into Wednesday morning. 

Environment Canada issues an extreme cold weather warning in Southeastern Ontario when the temperature or windchill is expected to reach minus 35°C for at least two hours. When there are extreme cold temperatures outside, children and seniors should take precautions to avoid the effects of the cold or be kept indoors to avoid cold injuries. SEHU also works with community service providers, municipalities, schools, long-term care homes, and emergency service providers to ensure that vulnerable groups are taken into consideration.   

Very cold weather brings an increased risk of hypothermia for people who stay outside for long periods of time without adequate protection. Overexposure to cold temperatures can result in severe injury. People at greatest risk from cold injuries include infants, the elderly, those who are underhoused or experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, recreation enthusiasts and people who consume excess alcohol. 

SEHU recommends that you take the following actions to prevent cold injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite:  

• Wear several layers of clothing and make sure that the outer layer protects you from wind and wetness. 

• Cover exposed skin (with hats, mittens, face mask) to protect against frostbite. 

• Drink warm fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol, to prevent dehydration. 

• Maintain a heated indoor environment above 20°C; hypothermia can even occur indoors when temperatures are 16°C (61°F) or lower. 

• Avoid outdoor strenuous exercise during cold spells. 

• Check frequently on elderly and vulnerable people; ensure they are in a safe and warm environment. 

• Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia — know what to do! 

Frostbite  

Frostbite is an injury to the skin that is caused by freezing. The risk of frostbite increases when the wind chill rises. Early signs include pink or reddish areas that may feel numb. As frostbite progresses, the affected area will become white and waxy in appearance. If you suspect frostbite, move to a warm area out of the wind and gently re-warm the affected area using your own body heat; the affected area should not be rubbed, as rubbing can cause more damage. Medical help should be sought if the area does not return to normal colour or sensation quickly.  

Hypothermia  

Hypothermia occurs when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, and it begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The result is an abnormally low body temperature that can affect brain and muscle function. Hypothermia can be dangerous as a person may not be aware that it is happening and may not understand that corrective action is necessary. An adult who stumbles, mumbles and fumbles objects may be suffering from hypothermia.  

If hypothermia is suspected, the affected person should be moved to a warm location, and any wet clothing removed. The individual should be covered with several layers of blankets and offered a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drink if he or she is able to swallow. A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and if a pulse can’t be found in the neck, call 911 immediately and perform CPR on the affected person immediately. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others. This warning is in effect as long as the extreme weather conditions exist. 

More information on protective measures can be found here.