It’s cold in Canada right now!
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2019 05:40:01 +0000
The snow and cold are still covering much of Canada. While some moderate snow is expected in Metro Vancouver this week, in Toronto, an Extreme Cold Weather Alert has been issued until further notice by Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, based on information from Environment Canada.
Extreme Cold Weather Alerts are issued when the temperature in the daily forecast is estimated to reach approximately -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 or colder.
Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health, with serious consequences like hypothermia and frostbite.
The people most at risk are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children. People with heart problems can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs.
Members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Check the weather report before going outside.
- Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
- Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.
- Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
- Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm.
- Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
- Drink warm fluids other than alcohol.
- Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
- Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it’s windy.
- Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.
- Call or visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.
The City asks that residents help vulnerable people like the homeless by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency. Homeless Help lists site information at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.
More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.
Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.