As the Muskoka area drops into a period of low temperatures as expected during the winter months, the Town of Bracebridge is reminding its residents and visitors to stay warm and exercise caution during these times of cold weather.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, and while most municipal facilities remain closed, the following tips will help everyone beat the cold.
Consider the following steps from Get Prepared Canada to help you keep warm:
1. Monitor the Weather Forecasts
• Check the Environment Canada weather forecast before going out.
• Listen for a wind chill warning. Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected.
2. Plan Ahead
• If you MUST go outside, develop a cold-weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it’s very cold, or when the wind chill is significant. For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.
3. Dress Warmly
• Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer.
• When it is cold, wear a hat and mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.
• Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body’s extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes lose heat the fastest.
4. Stay Dry
• Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
• Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.
5. Keep Active
• Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.
Be Aware of Health Complications Caused by Extreme Low Temperatures and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (see below). Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems. The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.
Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy. They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
Hypothermia:
• Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature.
• Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur.
Reminders on Staying Warm This Winter
• It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses
consciousness. Cardiac arrest may occur.
• What to do:
• Get medical attention immediately.
• Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
• Get the person indoors.
• Gently remove wet clothing.
• Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.
Frostbite:
• A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are
frozen.
• Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
• No sensation – the area is numb or tingling.
• What to do:
• Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help!
• Do not rub or massage the area.
• Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
• Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C). Avoid direct heat
which can burn the skin.
For More Information:
Get Prepared Canada – https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201101-en.aspx
Government of Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/yourhealth/environment/extreme-cold.html
Red Cross Canada – https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/first-aid-tips-andresources/first-aid-tips/cold-related-emergencies-staying-warm-and-safe-in-canadian-winters
Media Release – Reminders on Staying Warm This Winter – https://t.co/lNHQu24fNR pic.twitter.com/PhhvEhmz9p
— Town of Bracebridge (@townbracebridge) January 7, 2022