Southwestern Public Health on Thursday afternoon issued a cold weather alert after Environment Canada is warning of wind chill factors near minus 20 C into Friday morning.
Temperatures will moderate Friday, however the area is expected to be hit with another blast of cold air beginning Monday.
During a cold weather alert, residents should take precautions to protect themselves from the cold to avoid complications such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35˚C, affecting the ability to think clearly and move well. If you suspect hypothermia, get immediately medical attention. Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Infants may have red, cold skin and very low energy.
Frostbite
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. If you think you have frostbite, seek medical care.
What you should do:
• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Dress in warm layers when going outside (jacket, loose fitting clothes, toques, mittens, etc.)
• Cover up all exposed skin
• Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly
• Avoid strenuous exercise while out in the cold as much as possible
• Prepare your home and car for winter
• If you see someone who may be suffering from hypothermia, call 911 immediately
• Find a public Warming Centre at Cold Weather – Southwestern Public Health (swpublichealth.ca)
• Residents in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas are recommended to monitor the weather forecast to evaluate the risk of exposure to cold as conditions could change.
Warming centres in St. Thomas and Elgin:
St. Thomas
St. Thomas Seniors Centre
Address: 225 Chestnut Street, St. Thomas, ON
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: 519-633-2850
The INN (formerly Inn Out of the Cold)
Address: 10 Princess Avenue, St. Thomas, ON
Open 24 hours, 7 days per week
Phone: 519-637-9898
Joe Thornton Community Centre
Address: 75 Caso Crossing St. Thomas, ON
Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Phone: 519-633-7112
Aylmer
East Elgin Community Complex
Address: 531 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON
Phone: 519-773-5631
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Wednesday – Sunday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Family Central
Address: 62 Talbot St East, Aylmer, ON
Food Security Program: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (entrance on the south side of the building).
Phone: 226-545-0535
Malahide
Malahide Community Place
Address: 12105 Whittaker Rd, Springfield, ON
Phone: 519-765-475
West Elgin
West Elgin Community Health Centre
Address: 153 Main St SS 1, West Lorne, ON
Hours: Monday. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
Phone: 519-768-1715
Written by Ian McCallum
