MLHU extends cold alert into Tuesday

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The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) has extended its cold alert for Monday and Tuesday with temperatures expected to feel like –24 C during the afternoon and –27 C overnight into tomorrow.

The City of London offers warming centres as well as a number of Middlesex County Libraries, where residents can warm up.

When are alerts issued?

• Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a low temperature of –15°C or lower,
• Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a wind chill of -20 or lower, or if
• Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a “Cold Alert” or “Cold Warning.”

How to prepare

• Stay in heated buildings as much as possible (your home, friend or family’s place, public buildings such as malls, libraries, etc.).
• Dress appropriately when going outside (multiple layers of loose-fitting clothes, toques, mittens, etc.) and cover up all exposed skin since, in extreme cold, frostbite can occur within minutes.
• Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Avoid strenuous exercise while out in the cold as much as possible.
• Know the weather forecast and avoid travelling when extreme weather is predicted.
• Prepare your home and car for winter.

When to seek help

• Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.
• Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include white/grayish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.