When winter temperatures drop below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extreme cold temperatures can often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outdoors, can be hazardous or even life-threatening.
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What is a Cold Alert?
- The Halton Region Health Department will issue a Cold Alert when the following conditions are forecast for Halton:
- Daily predicted low of -15 ° C without wind-chill; or
- The wind-chill reaches the level at which Environment Canada issues a warning for outdoor activity (-35 ° C); or
- Extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm.
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Who is at risk from extreme cold?
- Anyone can be affected by extreme cold-related weather conditions, depending on length of time and exertion levels outdoors.
- Those especially at risk include:
- Older adults (over the age of 65)
- Infants and young children
- Outdoor workers
- Sport enthusiasts (hikers, skiers)
- Homeless persons, or those lacking shelter, proper clothing and/or food
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What are the symptoms of extreme cold exposure?
- Frostbite – most commonly affects the extremities. Frostbite can lead to serious health complications, the worst being amputation.
- If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:
- Pale grey, waxy textured skin in affected area (cold to the touch)
- Numbness and localized pain
- Swelling and blistering
- If you suspect that frostbite has set in, do not rub or massage the affected area. This may cause more damage.
- Warm up the area slowly with warm compresses or use your own body to re-warm the area. For example, use axilla (underarms) to warm the hand of the opposite limb.
- If toes or feet are frostbitten, try not to walk on them.
- Hypothermia – occurs when the body’s normal temperature becomes too low (less than 35 ° C).
- If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:
- Shivering, confusion, weakness
- Mumbling, stumbling, and/or fumbling
- Pale skin colour (for infants, look for cold reddish skin and low energy)
- Symptoms may be subtle in older persons
- If you suspect that hypothermia has set in, gently remove wet clothing and get the person to a warm place as soon as possible.
- Use several layers of blankets and warm the person gradually.
- If the person is alert, give warm beverages – do not give alcohol.
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How can I prevent cold related illness?
- Cover exposed skin (exposed skin can become frostbitten in 30 seconds).
- Wear a hat (up to 40% of body heat loss can occur through the head).
- Wear gloves or mittens, and a scarf to protect the chin, lips, and cheeks.
- Drink warm fluids – but NO alcohol. Alcohol can promote other injuries.
- If you start to sweat, cool off a little (wet clothes can freeze).
- Wear clothes in layers: inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer.
- Keep moving. Limit time sitting – stand up and move around.
- Take shelter from the wind – this can reduce wind chill exposure.
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained and equip your car with an emergency kit.
- Prepare a winter survival kit for your home , including food, water, and medicines.
- Always be on the lookout for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Plan ahead – listen to the weather forecast!
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How can I prepare my home and car for winter?
For your home:
- keep several days’ supply of food (needing no cooking or refrigeration)
- water (stored in clean containers or purchased)
- medicines
- flashlight
- batteries
- blankets
- first aid kit
- matches
- fire extinguisher
For your car:
- cell phone (with list of phone numbers)
- flashlight
- batteries
- windshield scraper
- blankets
- booster cables
- road flares
- maps
- sand bag
- shovel
- high energy bars
- first aid kit
- waterproof matches (to melt snow for water)
- candles
- extra boots/socks
- canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repair)
- a brightly coloured cloth or “Call Police” sign to signal for help
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Halton-Peel Cold Alert Totals to Date
| | Total # of Cold Alerts | Total # of Days |
| 2010 | 3 | 6 |
| 2009 | 8 | 20 |
| 2008 | 7 | 8 |
| 2007 | 8 | 14 |
| 2006 | 2 | 3 |
| 2005 | 8 | 18 |
| 2004 | 7 | 21 |
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Resources and Council Reports
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