First Frostbite Alert of the Season Issued By Peterborough Public Health
/Peterborough Public Health has issued the first Frostbite Alert of the season because forecasted wind chill values are expected to drop to -28 °C Friday evening and early Saturday morning for a few hours.
East City Peterborough on a cold night. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and everyone is encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. Extreme cold temperatures can particularly impact the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems and the marginally housed. There are various emergency shelters available overnight in the City of Peterborough.
In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Peterborough Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:
Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
Use caution when shovelling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shovelling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.
Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keeps you dry and further reduces your risk.
Peterborough Public Health has issued these tips to stay warm:
Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and a scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.
