Peterborough Public Health has issued the first frostbite alert of the season because of forecasted windchill values of -28°C or lower from today (December 13) until Thursday, December 14th.
Temperatures are expected to rise above frostbite alert conditions during the late evening of Thursday.
Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, elderly people, people with circulatory problems, and people with marginal housing. Local social service agencies rely on Peterborough Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.
Peterborough Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:
- Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
- Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
- Use caution when shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
- Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.
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 cover 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.
For more information about extreme cold weather, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
