KENORA – The Northwestern Health Unit would like to remind residents to be ready for cold temperatures this winter.
On cold days and nights we should “watch out for the signs of frostbite and hypothermia,” the health unit’s Stephanie Charles told Newswatch.
“Frostbite occurs when the blood flow to your hands, feet and exposed skin is restricted,” she explained.
“Your skin may appear pale, waxy, and you may notice some numbness or swelling, and so you'd want to warm up the area as soon as possible.
“With the combination of low temperature and high wind speed, frostbite can happen in as little as two to five minutes when it's very cold out.”
One way to be prepared is to check the weather forecast before you head out, said Charles.
Whenever temperatures are expected to be dangerously low, Environment Canada will issue an extreme cold weather warning for the region.
A cold weather warning is issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -40C for at least two hours.
As the temperature drops and the wind speed increases, the risk of cold-related injuries increases.
Extreme cold can also be life-threatening, Charles said.
Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can result in hypothermia, which occurs when body temperature drops too low, and hypothermia can lead to organ failure and death.
Stay safe by dressing warmly in layers, remaining dry and keeping active when outside. Limit your time outside if it is very cold.
The health unit recommends travellers keep a winter driving survival kit in their vehicle and stay up-to-date with road conditions.
Remember to check in with vulnerable family members and neighbours when it’s very cold to make sure they are safe.
Those are some preventive measures people can take when temperatures drop to dangerous levels, educating folks on how to be prepared, Charles said.
“If there is actually a cold injury or a suspected cold injury like frostbite or hypothermia, people can see the hospital or their doctor.”
More information on how to protect yourself during extreme cold can be found at the health unit’s website, nwhu.on.ca.http://www.nwhu.on.ca
