Peterborough Public Health Issues Second Frostbite Alert Of The Season
/Peterborough Public Health has issued the second Frostbite Alert of the season because forecasted wind chill values are expected to drop to -31 °C early Tuesday morning.
Photo by City of Peterborough.
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 shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.
