Protecting Yourself from Extreme Cold

Now that we’re in 2012, it looks like winter and cold weather is finally here to stay in Waterloo Region. Public Health would like to remind residents that extreme cold and wind chill events may cause serious health effects. While it is important to be active and enjoy the outdoors during the winter months, please remember to take precautions to avoid cold-related injuries.

Some people might be at greater risk from exposure to extreme cold and wind chill, including: 

• Elderly
• Infants and young children
• People with chronic poor circulation or diabetes
• People with physical or mental disabilities
• Outdoor workers (depending upon length of time and protective clothing)
• People who are wet from any cause
• People with underlying infection

 The health effects of extreme cold can be divided into two main categories: 

• Frostbite - Affects individual parts of the body such as fingers, nose, ears, or toes and can result in permanent tissue damage or amputation
• Hypothermia - Affects the entire body by dropping the core body temperature. Hypothermia slows the heart rate and can result in coma or death

  To avoid health risks from extreme cold: 

• Listen to the weather forecast before you head out
• Plan ahead and modify your plans according to the weather
• Dress warmly
• Stay dry
• Know when to limit your outdoor activity

 To help someone with a cold-related injury: 

• Get the individual(s) to a warm environment as soon as possible
• Remove any wet clothing
• Use dry blankets to help provide warmth
• Seek immediate medical help

 Additional information:

For more detailed information, see the attached Extreme Cold Weather Fact Sheet, and Understanding Winter Weather Fact Sheet. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Public Health at 519-883-2008.

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Media contact:  Peter Ellis, Public Health Planner, Health Protection & Investigation, 519-883-2008 x5317.