Extreme Cold

The Cold Weather Response Plan

KFL&A Public Health uses predetermined temperature and wind chill values to let you know when the weather could be harmful.

The Cold Weather Response Plan is designed to reduce the health impacts and risks associated with extreme cold weather events. It includes:

• monitoring Environment Canada's weather forecasts between November 1 and April 1, and
• notifying the community, health service providers, and the media when extreme cold temperatures and values are reached.

Cold Weather Health Warnings

Cold Weather Health Warnings are issued by KFL&A Public Health when the temperature is forecast to be -25°C or colder, when a wind chill of -28°C or colder is forecast, or when extreme weather conditions, like a blizzard or severe snow storm, are forecast for the KFL&A area by Environment Canada.

When the temperature drops below -25°C or the wind chill is below -28°C, children and seniors should take precautions to avoid the effects of the cold, or stay indoors to avoid cold injuries.  KFL&A Public Health also works with community service providers, municipalities, schools, long-term care homes, and emergency service providers to ensure that vulnerable groups are taken into consideration.  

Stay warm during cold weather periods:

• Wear several layers of clothing and make sure that the outer layer protects you from wind and wetness.
• Cover exposed skin with hats, mittens, or a face mask to protect against frostbite and losing your body heat.
• Stay hydrated by drinking warm fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol, to prevent dehydration.

• Maintain a heated indoor environment above 20°C. Note: hypothermia can even occur indoors when temperatures are 16°C or lower.
• Avoid outdoor strenuous exercise during cold weather temperatures.

• Check frequently on elderly and vulnerable people to ensure they are in a safe and warm environment.
• Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia so you know what to do.
• Pets get cold too. When possible, bring pets indoors. If they aren't able to come inside, make sure they have proper shelter to keep warm, and access to drinking water.
• Protect your pipes by running water, even a small amount, to prevent pipes from freezing.
• If you are using a space heater, it is important for it to be placed on a sturdy, hard surface and to keep it away from any flammable items such as clothing, bedding, rugs, paper, etc. Be sure to turn the space heater off before leaving the room or house, or going to bed.
• Visit a Warm Up Here! location within our community to access a warm space where you are welcome, free of charge, to come in and warm up if you are uncomfortably cold. 
• Listen to the local radio or other news sources for extreme cold weather health notices. 

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the skin that is caused by freezing. The risk of frostbite increases when the wind chill rises. Early signs include pink or reddish areas that may feel numb. As frostbite progresses, the affected area will become white and waxy in appearance.

If you suspect frostbite, move to a warm area out of the wind and gently re-warm the affected area using your own body heat. The affected area should not be rubbed, as rubbing can cause more damage. Medical help should be sought if the area does not return to normal colour or sensation quickly.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, and it begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The result is an abnormally low body temperature that can affect brain and muscle function. Hypothermia can be dangerous as a person may not be aware that it is happening and may not understand that corrective action is necessary. An adult who stumbles, mumbles and fumbles objects may be suffering from hypothermia.

If hypothermia is suspected, the affected person should be moved to a warm location, and any wet clothing removed. The individual should be covered with several layers of blankets and offered a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drink if they are able to swallow. A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and if a pulse can't be found in the neck, 9-1-1 should be called and CPR began immediately.

KFL&A Public Health extreme cold weather health response plan