Why do we Live where the air hurts our face? reminding you what to do in extreme cold |
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Extreme cold events occur when winter temperatures drop significanlty below average for that time of the year. According to Health Canada, risks from exposure to extreme cold, including frostbite, frostnip, and hypothermia, increase at wind chill values below -27 degrees celsius. |
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A Cold Snap is Coming... Cold snap from late Thursday through Saturday.
Extreme cold warning criteria of minus 30 is expected to be met in many places Thursday night into Friday and again Friday night into Saturday.
The cold snap will end by Sunday as a southwesterly flow develops. | | |
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Who Is At Risk... - Infants & Young Children
- The Elderly
- Outdoor Workers
- People with chronic medical conditions or underlying infections
- People taking certain medications such as beta blockers
- Homeless persons and those lacking proper shelter or clothing
- Pets
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Reduce Your Risk ... WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING - Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
- Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
- Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to put a scarf over your nose to protect it.
- If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.
PROTECT YOURSELF - On sunny days wear sun glasses, lip balm and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and keep it moisturized to help prevent windburn.
- Wear a face mask and goggles if you are participating in winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling and skating to protect your face from frostbite and windburn.
- Keep moving (especially your hands and feet) to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat.
PROTECT YOUR PET - Take shorter walks more frequently
- Keep your dog on a leash, often dogs lose their scent trail in winter making it easier for them get lost
- Know your dog breeds cold tolerance
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Reduce Your Risk ... KNOW THE WEATHER CONDITIONS - Pay attention to weather alerts in your area. Special weather statements and warnings are issued when extreme weather is possible in your area.
- Environment Canada issues wind chill alerts to warn you of conditions that will cause frostbite to exposed skin.
Find shelter and keep moving - If you are caught in a severe snowstorm, or outside in extreme cold conditions, look for shelter. If there are no buildings around, a small cave, ditch, hollow tree or a vehicle can help reduce your chances of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Even if you find shelter, keep moving to maintain your body heat.
WINTERIZE YOUR HOME - Prepare your home for cold winter temperatures by doing regular maintenance. Make sure your heating system is working efficiently and seal all cracks and drafts to keep the heat in.
AVOID ALCOHOL - Consuming alcohol before you go out in the cold may increase your risk of hypothermia because it increases blood flow to the extremities of the body. You may actually feel warm even though you are losing heat.
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