Peterborough Public Health would like to remind residents that winter is not over yet! It is issuing its fifth frostbite alert of the season as wind chill values are expected to drop to -30°C tonight and last until mid-morning tomorrow, Wednesday, January 26. It will still be cold for the rest of the week, but temperatures are not expected to meet the criteria for a frostbite alert.
Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and everyone is encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. Extreme cold temperatures can particularly impact the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed. There are various emergency shelters available overnight in the City of Peterborough.
Peterborough Public Health is committed to providing information in a format that meets your needs.
To request information in an alternate format, please call us at 705-743-1000 or email info@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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.
Here are some useful tips:
Cold related illnesses include:
Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.
Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.
Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Peterborough Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found here or by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and searching for “extreme cold”.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
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