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Sarnia, ON – Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a COLD WEATHER ALERT for Sarnia-Lambton based on the latest weather forecast from Environment Canada which predicts the daily, low air temperature will drop to minus 15°C tonight and will remain over the weekend.
“Residents should take precautions during a Cold Weather Alert and should listen to local, weather forecasts, especially the wind chill index for updates,” said Dr. Chris Greensmith, (A) Medical Officer of Health.
The Medical Officer of Health will not issue a Cold Weather Alert termination.
The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department (CHSD) advises local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to people who are homeless to prepare for an increase in demand during this Cold Weather Alert.
CHSD issues a Cold Weather Alert when one or more of the following is met:
- Daily, low temperature is predicted to be minus 15°C or below, without a wind chill value.
- Environment Canada issues a wind chill warning for Sarnia-Lambton.
- Extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm, are predicted.
Overexposure to cold can be hazardous, even life-threatening. Hypothermia, which can strike in any season, occurs when the body temperature drops below the normal range between 36.1°C and 37.8°C (97°F - 100°F). Symptoms may include pale skin, lethargy, confusion, excessive shivering and hallucinations.
If someone is suffering from hypothermia:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Move person to a warm area, if possible; dress in warm clothing.
- Offer warm water, juice or milk.
- Do not offer alcohol or hot drinks.
Frostbite can occur in skin that is overexposed to cold temperatures. Symptoms of frostbite include skin turning red, blue, or a grey/white colour. Individuals may also experience pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in fingers, toes, ears and nose.
- If you suspect frost bite:
- Warm the skin next to the affected area or immerse in warm water. Do not use hot water.
- Do not rub the affected area.
- Seek immediate medical help.
- Re-warming may take up to 60 minutes.
- Avoid hypothermia or frost bite:
- Check the weather forecast.
- Dress warmly. Wear several layers of warm, loose-fitting clothes.
- Protect your head and neck with a hat, scarf or hood: 30% of body heat escapes through the head.
- Protect your face with a mask.
- Wear wool socks and well-fitted boots that cover the ankles.
- Wear mittens. They protect hands better than gloves.
- Outermost layer of clothing should protect you from the wind.
- Stay dry. Wet clothing chills the body. Remove outer layers or open your coat if sweating.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Limit outdoor activity.
- Know your limits. Children, seniors and those with circulation problems are more susceptible to cold.
Visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca for more information about severe cold weather.
For more information about Lambton County, visit www.lambtononline.ca.
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Contact:
Chad Ikert
(A) Manager, Environmental Health and Prevention Services
County of Lambton
Telephone: 519 383-8331, ext. 3507
Email: chad.ikert@county-lambton.on.ca
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