Peterborough Public Health Issues First Frostbite Alert of the Season
Written by Comms Team, February 2, 2023
Alert Includes the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations
Peterborough Public Health has issued the first Frostbite Alert of the season due to forecasted windchill values reaching -37 oC overnight. The extreme cold is expected to continue until Saturday, February 4.
Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. Extreme cold temperatures can particularly impact the health of older adults, young children and infants, and particularly members of the community experiencing homelessness or living rough.
For those in need of warmth, the following emergency warming spaces are available:
- One Roof Community Centre – 99 Brock St. Peterborough 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (705-874-1812)
- StopGap Drop-In Centre at Trinity United Church – 360 Reid St. Peterborough 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. (One City phone number 705-741-4172)
Emergency shelter options include:
- YES Shelter for Youth and Families – 196 Brock St. Peterborough (705-748-3851)
- Brock Mission Men’s Shelter – 217 Murray St. Peterborough (705-748-4766)
- Cameron House Women’s Shelter – 738 Chemong Rd. Peterborough (705-748-4766)
- Overflow Shelter – 210 Wolfe St. Peterborough (705-748-4766 press 0)
Due to extreme cold temperatures, residents are encouraged to take the following precautions to keep themselves safe:
- Check exposed skin and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.
- Check for signs and symptoms of hypothermia including: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.
- Use caution when shoveling snow, especially for those with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause the onset of heart or respiratory problems.
- Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.
- Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
Seek medical attention if needed!
Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is suffering from hypothermia, get medical attention immediately! Call 9 1 1 or ask someone else to.
If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person.
- Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
- Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
- Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
- Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.
- Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.
A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the person gently, and get emergency assistance immediately.
Dress for the weather
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.
Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Peterborough Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/environmental-hazards/extreme-weather-cold/ or by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and searching for “extreme cold”.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarah Gill
Communications Team
705-743-1000, ext. 352