Frostbite Alert in Effect Tonight
Written by Comms Team, January 7, 2025
Stay warm to avoid cold-related illness
Today Peterborough Public Health is issuing the first Frostbite Alert of the season. A cold event is expected to affect the Peterborough area tonight, with nighttime temperatures reaching -18°C, and a windchill expected to reach -28.
Frostbite alerts are issued when temperatures and/or windchills are forecasted to be anywhere from -27°C to -38°C. At these temperatures, exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. While extreme cold can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for the following individuals:
- people experiencing homelessness
- older adults
- children, especially infants and young children
- people taking certain medications
- people with certain health conditions (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, mental illness, mobility limitations)
- people who live in homes that are poorly insulated, without heat/power
- people who are active outdoors (e.g., outdoor workers, winter sport enthusiasts)
Protect Yourself During Cold Weather
- Remain indoors, if possible, while temperatures are the coldest; everyone is encouraged to seek shelter if possible
- Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather
- Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer
- Wear warm socks, hat, gloves, and a scarf
- If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible
- Stay informed with weather alerts, including windchill alerts
Community Resources to Stay Warm:
Trinity Community Centre (360 Reid St.) is open from 9am-7pm and 8pm-8am every day. Operated by One City Peterborough, the Trinity Community Centre provides services on behalf of the City of Peterborough.?For a full description of meals and other services that One City provides, please visit www.onecityptbo.ca.?Members of the public are encouraged to access heated public spaces (e.g., shopping centres, public libraries, places of worship), if needed.
Know the Signs of Cold-Related Illness:
People suffer cold-related illnesses when their body temperature drops. A core temperature lowered by even 1-2°C, can put someone at risk for harmful effects. The risk of cold-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the cold, the temperature, and strength of the wind.
Cold-related illnesses include windburn, frostbite, and hypothermia. If your skin is turning white or yellow, but is still soft to the touch, you may be experiencing frostbite/frostnip. Move to a warm space, wrap yourself in warm, dry clothing/blankets, and thaw injured skin with water just above body temperature. Severe frostbite, where the skin is turning black, requires immediate medical attention.
If your shivering is strong (or stops altogether) and/or you are having trouble speaking/thinking/walking, you may be experiencing stage 2 or 3 hypothermia. Call 9-1-1 immediately. While you wait for help, move to a warm space and try to dry and gradually warm your body. For more information on extreme cold and cold-related illnesses, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/extremecold.
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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations