Protect Yourself from Extreme Cold This Winter
Written by Communications, December 11, 2018
Peterborough Public Health Activates Extreme Cold Response Plan
With the colder winter months ahead, Peterborough Public Health has activated its Extreme Cold Response Plan (ECRP) to advise residents on the best way to protect their health when temperatures plummet.
“Cold weather injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia, are preventable,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of cold weather if dry and properly dressed. Our plan is designed to advise the general public of an increased risk of frostbite and how they can take action to prevent injury.”
Dr. Salvaterra noted that particularly vulnerable populations in our communities include the elderly, infants (under one year), people with a history of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes, and people who are homeless or marginally housed. People who are homeless in particular spend long periods of time outside and can suffer increased health effects from the cold even at warmer temperatures. She added that between 2003 and 2018 there were a total of 289 visits to the Emergency Department due to exposure from excessive cold, and that the hospital sees on average of 18 people each year for this reason.
Cold weather, combined with wind, can cause serious injuries or even death. Peterborough Public Health monitors the forecasted weather conditions from December 1 to April 1 each year. The ECRP defines a series of cold weather thresholds that trigger Peterborough Public Health to notify the general public, healthcare providers and community service providers of appropriate measures they can take to reduce the risk of cold weather injuries for themselves and the vulnerable populations they serve. City Social Services also has an Extreme Weather Protocol that takes effect in cold weather, which may trigger extended hours of operation for shelter services.
Notifications of frostbite alerts and warnings will be posted on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and Peterborough Public Health’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as issued to the media and stakeholder groups when the forecasted temperature or wind chill may result in an increased risk of frostbite.
When Social Services activates their Extreme Weather Protocol they will also share information regarding the locations and times of emergency shelters and any relevant outreach programs, as well as reminders about visiting public locations such as malls to get out of the cold during periods of extreme cold. For the most vulnerable, One Roof Community Centre drop-in at 99 Brock St. will extend their hours of operation from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Normal hours of operation during the winter are from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. The Warming Room at 175 Murray St. is open overnight every night from 9:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
County residents are encouraged to consult their township for measures related to their local extreme cold response. Most townships and Curve Lake First Nation post extreme weather alerts on their websites and encourage residents to check in on neighbours.
Peterborough Public Health’s ECRP has three levels of notification:
- Frostbite Alert
- Frostbite Warning
- Cold Weather Emergency
Follow up messages and actions taken by Peterborough Public Health depend on the level of notification, as described below:
Level 1: Frostbite Alert
A Level 1 Frostbite Alert is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature of -27?C to
-38?C or a wind chill of -27 to -38. This level of notification reminds residents to: cover unprotected skin; avoid prolonged outdoor exposure; drink warm fluids; watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia; check on neighbours; and maintain a warm indoor environment (ideally 20?C or warmer).
Level 2: Frostbite Warning
A Level 2 Frostbite Warning is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature between
-39?C and -47?C or a wind chill of -39 to -47. This level of notification reminds residents of the core messages above in addition to: reminding children and the elderly to stay indoors; advising the general public to reduce time spent outdoors; and advising the public to check their faces and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite.
Level 3: Cold Weather Emergency
A Level 3 Cold Weather Emergency is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature of
-48?C or colder or a wind chill of -48 or colder OR when the temperature is below -27?C or a wind chill below -27 accompanied by a contributing risk factor such as a power outage, or critical infrastructure failure. This level of notification reminds residents of all the core messages above in addition to: requesting that residents stay indoors; ensuring vulnerable individuals are in a warm, safe environment; and advising the public to check their faces and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Further information about Peterborough Public Health’s ECRP is available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under the section for “Environmental Hazards”.
Peterborough Public Health recognizes that other community organizations may have developed their own internal policies and procedures for dealing with extreme cold for the population they are serving (i.e. school boards, and day care providers). Community agencies and partners that would like direct notification from us in the event of an extreme cold alert should contact the Communications Manager at 705-743-1000, ext. 391.
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For further information, please contact:
Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285