Cold Warnings

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 grayish-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

Home

• Make sure your heating system is working efficiently
• Seal all cracks and drafts in windows and doors
• Stock at least a 3 days' supply of:
  • Food that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated
  • Water
  • Medicines

Car

• Store the following items in your vehicle at all times:
  • Booster cables
  • Vehicle fluids
  • Emergency flares
  • Survival candle
  • Blanket
  • First aid kit
  • Help sign