The frigid temperatures continue today, but the weather will start to warm up through the weekend and into next week.
The normal high for this time of year is minus 4, while today’s high will be around minus 12 and that’s not including the wind chill.
Environment Canada and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit have issued some cold weather safety tips, now that people are spending more time outdoors due to the Stay-At-Home Order.
They suggest keeping active, staying dry and dressing in layers, wearing a hat, scarf and gloves, along with warm footwear, with as little exposed skin as possible.
- Plan ahead and be prepared – listen to public weather alerts or travel advisories.
- Keep children indoors if the temperature falls below -25°C, or if the wind chill is -28°C or greater. More advice about winter safety for your children can be found at Caring for Kids, developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.
- Dress warmly and cover exposed skin. Frost bite can occur in as little as 30 seconds.
- Wear several layers of loose fitting clothing made of wool, silk, or polypropylene (these materials retain more heat than cotton).
- Stay dry, west clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess sweating will also increase heat loss. Therefore when you feel too warm, remove some of the extra layers of clothing.
- Keep moving. Limit time sitting – stand up and move around.
- Take shelter from the wind – this will reduce wind chill exposure.
- Drink warm fluids – but NOT caffeinated or fluids containing alcohol as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
- Be aware of the signs for frostbite and hypothermia.
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.
- 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.
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