On Monday, Halton Region's Health Department extended a cold weather alert not long after Halton residents had dug out of the approximate 10 cm of snow that fell Saturday and Environment Canada had issued yet another extreme cold warning Sunday.
Today, the Region warned temperatures will remain in the extreme cold range until Tuesday morning and that evening and early morning temperatures will drop into the extreme cold range over the rest of the week, ending Friday (Feb. 27).
This alert is issued when temperatures are expected to fall below -15C (without windchill), or when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure.
The alert is intended to inform the general public and community agencies and recommend precautions. This alert is in effect until temperatures rise above –15C (without windchill) or weather conditions improve and the risks involved with prolonged exposure are reduced.
On Sunday, Environment Canada said bitterly cold Arctic air would return to the region in the wake of a sharp Arctic cold front. Stiff northwesterly winds combining with very cold, possibly record-setting minimum temperatures once again resulted in extreme wind chills of – 40C to -30C overnight Sunday and Monday morning.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.
People planning to be outdoors should dress appropriately and exercise caution as exposed skin may freeze in as little as 10 minutes.
While anyone who isn't dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frostbite and hypothermia: those people include the homeless, outdoor workers, people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power), those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers, winter sport enthusiasts, people who consume excess alcohol, infants and seniors.
People are advised to wear appropriate clothing and dress for the weather.
Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body, which keep you dry and further reduce your risk. Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer so that layers can be removed if you get too warm.
Warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf are a must in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it. If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible as heat is lost more rapidly when you’re wet.
People are urged to watch for cold-related symptoms and complaints, including:
• Respiratory — shortness of breath, wheezing and cough
• Cardiovascular — chest pain and arrhythmias
• Circulation — colour change of finger and toes, pain, numbness and tickling sensation in extremities
• Muscle — pain, stiffness, swelling, restricted movement, weakness
• Skin — itching, pale.
Anyone feeling any of these symptoms when outside are advised to move indoors quickly and begin warming themselves.
Wearing sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays and keep it moisturized will help prevent windburn, especially on sunny days like today.
Those participating in winter activities should wear a face mask and goggles to protect the face from frostbite and windburn, and keep moving, especially the hands and feet, to keep the blood flowing and maintain body heat.
Drinking enough fluids will also help, but avoid very cold drinks and consume warm meals regularly.
Environment Canada meteorologists update alerts as required, so stay tuned to your local media. Email reports of severe weather to storm.ontario@ec.gc.ca or tweet with the hashtag #ONStorm.
For further information on extreme cold, contact Halton Region by dialing 311 or visit www.halton.ca/coldalert.
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Detail Link :
http://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/5442592-extended-halton-under-yet-another-extreme-cold-warning/