February 17, 2016 –

Third Frostbite Alert for February 17 for the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

The Peterborough Public Health has issued the third Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted wind chill values of -29 overnight February 17. This Frostbite Alert remains in effect until further notice.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed.  Local social service agencies rely on Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
• Use caution when shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

What clothing should be worn outdoors?

Always wear clothing appropriate 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.

Here are some useful tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

Hypothermia:
Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

Frostbite:
Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under “My Home & Environment” by clicking on “Extreme Weather – Cold”.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

February 12, 2016 – The Peterborough Public Health has issued the second Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted wind chill values of -28 on February 12. This Frostbite Alert remains in effect until Monday, February 15, 2016.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed.  Local social service agencies rely on Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
• Use caution when shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

What clothing should be worn outdoors?

Always wear clothing appropriate 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.

Here are some useful tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

Hypothermia:
Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

Frostbite:
Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under “My Home & Environment” by clicking on “Extreme Weather – Cold”.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

January 18, 2015 – Public Health Issues First Frostbite Alert for January 18-19 for the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

The Peterborough Public Health has issued the first Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted wind chill values of -28 from January 18 to 19. This Frostbite Alert remains in effect until further notice.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed.  Local social service agencies rely on Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
• Use caution when shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

What clothing should be worn outdoors?

Always wear clothing appropriate 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.

Here are some useful tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

Hypothermia:
Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness. Frostbite:           

Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under “My Home & Environment” by clicking on “Extreme Weather – Cold”.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

September 4, 2015 –  Today Peterborough Public Health is lifting the Heat Alert issued on August 31 due to slightly lower temperatures, but another Heat Alert will take effect on the Labour Day weekend for the City and County of Peterborough, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.  This fifth alert of the season is issued for September 5, 6 and 7 and will remain in effect until further notice.

This Heat Alert is being issued as the daytime humidex is expected to reach 37 on Saturday, September 5, and 38 on both Sunday, September 6 and Monday, September 7. Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

It is best to remain cool, and out of the sun especially if you have a chronic illness. If this is not possible then ensure you take the proper precautionary measures to protect yourself from the sun. This includes consistently applying sunscreen to exposed areas every two hours and wearing a hat and sunglasses. Also, remember to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.

“Drinking plenty of water and replenishing your fluids is key to staying safe in the heat,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “It is important to remember to drink water before you get thirsty, and not wait until you become dehydrated.”

If your home does not have air conditioning then you can visit a public building such as library, community centre or shopping centre. In addition, avoid cooking in an oven to keep the temperature in your home down. Closing your blinds is another effective method of keeping the sun out, and keeping the temperature down.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s webpage and plan outdoor activities accordingly www.airqualityontario.com.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus, Public Health Inspector

705-743-1000, ext. 285

The Peterborough Public Health is issuing another Heat Alert for the City and County of Peterborough, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.  The alert is issued for September 1 and 2 and will remain in effect until further notice.

This Heat Alert is being issued as the daytime temperatures are forecast to be at least 29 C for both days while the humidex is expected to reach 37 on Tuesday, September 1 and 36 on Wednesday, September 2.  Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

It is best to remain cool, and out of the sun especially if you have a chronic illness. If this is not possible then ensure you take the proper precautionary measures to protect yourself from the sun. This includes consistently applying sunscreen to exposed areas every two hours and wearing a hat and sunglasses.  Also, remember to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.

“Drinking plenty of water and replenishing your fluids is key to staying safe in the heat,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “It is important to remember to drink water before you get thirsty, and not wait until you become dehydrated.”

If your home does not have air conditioning then you can visit a public building such as library, community centre or shopping centre.  In addition, avoid cooking in an oven to keep the temperature in your home down.  Closing your blinds is another effective method of keeping the sun out, and keeping the temperature down.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s webpage and plan outdoor activities accordingly www.airqualityontario.com.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off.  Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

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For further information, please contact:
Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285

August 14, 2015- The Peterborough Public Health is issuing another Heat Alert for the City and County of Peterborough, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.  The alert is issued for Sunday, August 16, and Monday, August 17 and will remain in effect until further notice.

This Heat Alert is being issued as the daytime temperatures are forecast to be at least 30 C for both days while the humidex is expected to reach 36 Sunday, August 16 and 38 on Monday, August 17. Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

It is best to remain cool, and out of the sun especially if you have a chronic illness. If this is not possible then ensure you take the proper precautionary measures to protect yourself from the sun. This includes consistently applying sunscreen to exposed areas every two hours and wearing a hat and sunglasses. Also, remember to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.

“Drinking plenty of water and replenishing your fluids is key to staying safe in the heat,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “It is important to remember to drink water before you get thirsty, and not wait until you become dehydrated.”

If your home does not have air conditioning then you can visit a public building such as library, community centre or shopping centre. In addition, avoid cooking in an oven to keep the temperature in your home down. Closing your blinds is another effective method of keeping the sun out, and keeping the temperature down.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s webpage and plan outdoor activities accordingly www.airqualityontario.com.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000

July 27, 2015 – The Peterborough Public Health is issuing another Heat Alert for the City and County of Peterborough, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.  The alert is issued for Monday, July 27 and will remain in effect until further notice.

This Heat Alert is being issued as the daytime temperatures are forecast to be at least 30 C today and 31 C for Tuesday while the humidex is expected to reach 36 for both days.  Weather forecasters are anticipating this heatwave will extend until Thursday, July 30.  Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable.

“The elderly are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to the heat, especially if they are experiencing a chronic illness such as a heart condition,” explains Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “It is vital to check on family, friends and neighbours to ensure they are remaining cool and are properly hydrated.”

If your home does not have air conditioning then you can visit a public building such as a library, community centre or shopping centre. In addition, avoid cooking in an oven to keep the temperature in your home down. Closing your blinds is another effective method of keeping the sun out, and keeping the temperature down.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change’s webpage and plan outdoor activities accordingly www.airqualityontario.com.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391

July 17, 2015 – Residents Advised to Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness

The Peterborough County-City Public Health is issuing the area’s first Heat Alert of the season for Peterborough City and County.  The alert is issued for Saturday July 18 and Sunday, July 19.

The Public Health has been closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend and early next week. This Heat Alert is being issued to help residents prepare for the hot, humid weather in the forecast.

A Heat Alert is issued when the daytime temperatures or Humidex are forecast to be at least 36°C or 36 for two or more consecutive days without a smog advisory. Depending on changes to the weather forecast over the next few days, the Heat Alert may be elevated to a Heat Warning or lifted.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.  Heat related illnesses such as: dehydration; heat cramps; heat exhaustion; and heat stroke are preventable.  Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of hot and humid weather as long as they stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.

People taking medications may be more vulnerable to extreme heat as certain medications may interfere with the body’s cooling functions and water/salt retention. People taking antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-Parkinson’s agents are more likely to experience difficulty adapting to high temperatures and should consult with their healthcare provider to see if they are at an increased health risk in the heat.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

• Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat when possible. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and plan to go out early in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
• Go to air conditioned or cool places such as shopping malls, libraries, community centres or a friend’s place.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
• Keep lights off or turned down low.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.
• Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.

• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• heavy sweating
• muscle cramps
• weakness
• headache
• fainting
• paleness, tiredness
• dizziness, nausea

People experiencing the above symptoms should seek the care of a health care provider.

Often with forecasted extreme heat, comes forecasts for poor air quality.  The Public Health would like to encourage residents to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on Environment Canada’s Weather page for Peterborough and plan outdoor activities accordingly http://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-013_e.html. This link can also be easily accessed on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca in the section entitled “My Home & Environment – Air Quality – Outdoor”.

Public, air conditioned facilities such as malls, libraries and community centres are available to city and county residents seeking a place to cool off. Residents are advised to phone in advance to determine hours of operation.

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For further information, please contact:

Wanda Tonuse

Public Health Inspector

705-743-1000, ext. 285

March 4, 2015 – Public Health Issues Frostbite Alert #10 for the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations

The Peterborough Public Health has issued a tenth Frostbite Alert this season because of forecasted wind chill values of -29 on March 5. This Frostbite Alert remains in effect until further notice.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed.  Local social service agencies rely on Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
• Use caution when shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

What clothing should be worn outdoors?

Always wear clothing appropriate 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.

Here are some useful tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

Hypothermia:
Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

Frostbite:
Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under “My Home & Environment” by clicking on “Extreme Weather – Cold”.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
705-743-1000, ext. 391

February 22, 2015 –

The Peterborough Public Health has issued a ninth Frostbite Alert this season because of forecasted wind chill values of -40 to -30 on February 22 to 23. This Frostbite Alert remains in effect until further notice.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed.  Local social service agencies rely on Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
• Use caution when shoveling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

What clothing should be worn outdoors?

Always wear clothing appropriate 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.

Here are some useful tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

….continued

Cold related illnesses include:

Hypothermia:
Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

Frostbite:
Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

Increases in other health problems can also be seen, especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under “My Home & Environment” by clicking on “Extreme Weather – Cold”.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Supervisor

705-743-1000, ext. 391