Cold Warnings

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Preventing cold-related illness

As Canadians, we embrace cold winters and the outdoor winter activities that we enjoy. The next time you go tobogganing or decide to organize a good ol' snowball fight, prepare for the cold. Learn how to prevent cold-related health injuries and prepare for cold-weather emergencies.

The Halton Region Health Department issues cold warnings during any of the following weather conditions:

Daily predicted low of -15 degrees Celsius without wind-chill
Environment Canada issues an Extreme Cold Warning for outdoor activity (temperature or wind chill to reach -30 degrees Celsius for at least 2 consecutive hours)

Are you at risk during cold weather?

Extreme cold-weather conditions can affect anyone depending on length of exposure and activity levels.

Those at a higher risk include:

Adults over 65 years of age
Infants and young children
People who work outdoors
People who exercise outdoors
People with limited resources to house and protect themselves

What are cold-related injuries?

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing. People experience a loss of feeling and colour in affected areas, most commonly in the areas furthest from your heart, such as hands, feet, nose and ears.

In extreme cases, you may experience skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, numbness, or a white or greyish-yellowing of the skin. If this happens, seek medical assistance immediately.

If you suspect a case of frostbite:

Get indoors to a warm room as soon as possible
Wrap yourself in blankets or use skin-to-skin contact with another person to warm yourself
Place your hands under your underarms for warmth
Submerge injured skin in warm (not hot) water
Do not: rub, massage or shake the injured skin as this can cause more damage
If toes or feet are frostbitten, limit walking

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature, caused by prolonged exposure to cold. There are 3 stages progressing from mild (shivering, goosebumps) to more severe symptoms (difficulty speaking, thinking and walking).

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

While waiting for help:

Move the person to a warm place
Gently remove any wet clothing
Layer blankets and warm the person gradually
Give them a sweet and warm drink if they are alert
Don't fight shivering – the body does this to increase core temperature

How to prevent cold-related injury

Dress according to the weather as frostbite can occur within minutes
Cover exposed skin with layers of loose-fitting clothing, including a wind-resistant outer layer, hat, mittens, and scarf
Change into dry clothing as soon as possible if you get wet
Drink warm fluids (alcohol and caffeinated drinks cause your body to lose heat faster)
Keep moving – especially your hands and feet
Take shelter from the wind
Keep your vehicle well maintained
Prepare emergency kits for your home and car
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Plan ahead and check the weather forecast