The return of bone-chilling temperatures has prompted the Middlesex London Health Unit to issue a Cold Weather Alert.
Overnight temperatures will plunge to near -15 C Thursday and remain there through the weekend. That has local health officials reminding anyone spending time outdoors to bundle up by dressing in layers and wearing a hat and insulated gloves or mittens.
“The rapid drop in temperature expected tonight will be a quick change from the warmer weather we’ve been experiencing this week,” said Randy Walker, public health inspector with the Middlesex London Health Unit. “We need to prepare and to make sure that we’re not caught in the extreme cold unexpectedly. At these temperatures, the cold can damage exposed skin in a matter of a few minutes.”
According to the health unit, overexposure to extreme cold can cause hypothermia. Symptoms include pale skin, lethargy, confusion, and hallucinations. Severe cases can cause a loss of consciousness, shallow breathing, and a hard to detect pulse. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms should be taken for immediate medical treatment.
Skin overexposed to the cold is also at risk of frostbite when the temperature drops below the freezing mark. Symptoms include skin turning red, blue, or in later stages, a grey/white colour.
"If you suspect frostbite, warm the affected area by placing it next to warmer skin or immerse in warm, but not hot, water. Do not rub the affected area, and seek emergency medical treatment for cases of severe, blistering frostbite," the health unit advised in a news release. "The rewarming process may take up to 60 minutes."
Local agencies that offer shelter or assistance to the homeless are being told to prepare for an increase in demand for their services. Anyone who sees someone in distress due to the cold is advised to call London CAReS at 519-667-2273 or 911 if it is a medical emergency. A list of London warming centres can be found on the city's website www.london.ca.
The Cold Weather Alert is expected to last until Monday.
