Oxford Public Health extends cold weather alert
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Oxford Public Health & Emergency Services extended the cold weather alert issued Monday, January 5 for Oxford County following Environment Canada’s forecast of a temperature of -25 C with wind chill on Thursday and temperatures below -9 C until Saturday January 10.
Residents of Oxford County are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves from the cold. Those at risk include older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, those who like outdoor sports such as skiing and hiking, and homeless persons and others who do not have shelter, proper clothing or food.
Over-exposure to cold may lead to complications such as frostbite, particularly in the extremities (finger and toes) or any exposed skin, and hypothermia, which occurs when body temperature drops below 35 C, affecting the ability to think clearly and move well. If you suspect hypothermia, call 911.
For more information on Public Health’s extreme weather alerts visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/health. For more information on emergency shelters, call 211 or visit www.211ontario.ca.
QUICK FACTS
* The warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Infants may have red, cold skin and very low energy. Hypothermia is a medical emergency - get medical attention immediately.
* Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. If you think you have frostbite, seek medical care.