Windsor Essex County Health Unit
Cold weather alerts: why are they issued?
During the winter months, the
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
monitors Environment Canada’s local
weather forecast to determine if a cold or
extreme cold weather alert should be issued.
If an alert is required, the Health Unit
contacts the media, updates their website
and posts messages on their Facebook and
Twitter accounts informing the community
that an alert has been issued.
A cold weather alert is issued when the
outdoor temperature is predicted to reach
-15°C (5°F) without the wind chill. An
extreme cold weather alert is issued when
the outdoor temperature with the wind chill
is predicted to be -27°C (-16.6°F). These
temperature ranges are used because
exposure to extreme cold for a long period
of time increases the risk of frostbite and
hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when the body
loses heat faster than it is produced.
Warning signs of hypothermia in adults
include shivering, exhaustion, confusion,
memory loss, slurred speech and
drowsiness. In infants, bright red cold skin
and very low energy are the signs of
hypothermia.
When the skin and tissue freezes,
individuals can develop frostbite. Frostbite
is a loss of feeling and colour, most often on
the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.
Warning signs of frostbite include white or
greyish-yellow areas on the skin, numbness
and skin that feels unusually firm or waxy.
If hypothermia or frostbite is suspected, it is
important to seek a warm area and medical
care as soon as possible.
During extreme cold weather
conditions, anyone who isn't dressed
warmly is at risk of frostbite and
hypothermia. However, some individuals
are at greater risk than others. Those
individuals include:
• homeless people
• outdoor workers
• people living in homes that are poorly
insulated (with no heat or no power)
• people with certain medical conditions
such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy
and diseases affecting the blood vessels
• people taking certain medications
including beta-blockers
• winter sport enthusiasts
• infants (under 1 year)
• seniors (65 years or older)
During extreme weather conditions, be
prepared! While it is best to avoid trips
outside during extreme cold, this is not
always possible. When outdoors during
extreme cold, a number of steps should be
taken. The most important thing is to stay
warm and dry. Try to cover as much
exposed skin as possible. Adults and
children should wear a hat, a scarf or mask
that covers the face and mouth, sleeves that
are snug at the wrists, mittens, a
water-resistant coat and boots and several
layers of loose-fitting clothing. Check
frequently for signs of hypothermia or
frostbite. Cold weather puts extra strain on
the heart. People with heart disease or high
blood pressure should avoid strenuous
outdoor activities. Dressing warmly and
working slowly is best.
Homes should have a survival kit that
contains several days’ worth of crucial
supplies, such as food, water and an
alternative source of heat. Ensure that
another heat source can be used safely
indoors.
Cars should also have a survival kit
with food and water, as well as a first aid kit
and tools to help in the case of an
automotive emergency. Make sure your car
always has a full tank of gas. It is also
important for cars to be in good working
order before the winter season begins.
To find out if the Windsor-Essex
County Health Unit has issued a cold or
extreme cold weather alert, visit the website
at www.wechu.org or follow us on Facebook
or Twitter. The media will also notify the
public when an alert is active.
Visit wechu.org to learn more about
Cold Weather Alerts
6 The HUB - March 2015