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Based on information from Environment Canada, Durham Region Health Department has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today for both the North and South weather zones that will be in effect for the next 48 hours.
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Extreme Cold Weather Alerts are issued when the temperature is forecasted to reach -15 degrees Celsius or colder, and/or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 degrees Celsius or colder, and when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure. Wind chill is when the wind makes cold temperatures feel even colder. Cold temperatures can also be hazardous, even if there is little or no wind.
Durham Region’s Social Services Department lists site information for emergency shelters in the Region at https://www.durham.ca/en/living-here/emergency-shelters.aspx. Some municipalities will list names, locations and hours of access for warming centres on their websites, if they offer public access.
Health Risks
Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes and in severe cases can lead to amputation when deeper tissues freeze.
Those most at risk of cold-related illness are:
- People experiencing homelessness or those marginally-housed.
- Those who work outdoors.
- People with a pre-existing heart conditions who can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs.
- People with respiratory illness.
- Elderly people.
- Infants and young children.
During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, you are encouraged to take the following precautions to protect yourself:
- Check the weather forecast before going outside.
- Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof and cover exposed skin.
- Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves and warm boots.
- Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
- Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton stops keeping you warm once it gets wet.
- Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
- Drink warm fluids, other than alcohol.
- Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
- Consider re-scheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy.
- Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.
- Call or visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.
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The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care has information about protecting yourself in extreme cold.
Learn more from Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada about extreme cold weather.