Extreme Cold Warning Issued by Environment Canada

With very cold weather in the forecast, Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning within Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area beginning Sunday, January 19, 2025, for the following locations:

• Greater Sudbury and vicinity
• West-Nipissing, French River
• Markstay-Warren, St. Charles
• Chapleau, Missinaibi Lake
• Gogama, Foleyet

Extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment Canada when very cold temperatures or wind chill is expected to reach minus 40°C for at least two hours, elevating the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind everyone to take precautions against the cold.

Frostbite and hypothermia are the most common cold weather injuries. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissue freeze. The nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes are especially susceptible areas. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses more heat than it can generate.

Who is at risk?

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. “Certain people are at a greater risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to exposure, physical condition or a combination of the two,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division. “Although some individuals are at higher risk, anyone can suffer frostbite or hypothermia. Everyone should take precautions.”

Those that at greater risk of cold weather injuries include:

• older adults
• infants under 1 year old
• people with circulation problems
• people outside for long periods at a time including outdoor workers and winter sports enthusiasts
• people with inadequate food, clothing, and heating
• people who drink alcohol or take drugs
• people who are on certain medications

Preventing frostbite and hypothermia

Cold weather injuries are preventable. There are steps you can take to lower the risk:

• Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. You can sign up for alerts from Environment Canada at https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/ to get notified immediately about extreme cold alerts.
• Limit the amount of time you spend in the cold.
• Dress in layers, including a wind-resistant outer layer. Wear a hat and mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm by wearing a scarf, neck tube, or face mask.
• Wear warm, waterproof footwear.
• Seek shelter from the wind.
• Stay active but try to avoid sweating. Physical activity will help warm you by generating body heat.
• Stay dry. Remove wet clothing if possible and remove or ventilate outer layers of clothing if you are sweating.
• Speak to your doctor or pharmacist as certain medications can make you more susceptible to the cold.

If you or someone in your care experiences symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, seek warmth and contact a health care professional for help. In emergencies, call 911. For information and emergency treatment of frostbite and hypothermia, Public Health suggests reviewing the Cold-Related Emergencies: Staying Warm and Safe in Canadian Winters – Canadian Red Cross or the St. John Ambulance First Aid Reference Guide starting at Page 233.

Protect others

On very cold days, check in on neighbours who may be vulnerable to cold due to age, living conditions, health conditions, reduced mobility, or isolation.

People who are unhoused can spend long periods outside and can suffer increased effects from the cold. This can be due to the following issues, as well as other factors:

• inadequate clothing
• malnutrition
• a previous cold-weather injury
• heart disease or diabetes

The possibility of severe, non-fatal impacts of cold weather—such as amputation or extended hospitalizations—increases for people who are unhoused. To help people in these situations, consider making a financial contribution or donating warm blankets, warm socks, mittens, hats, long underwear, footwear, and outerwear to local aid groups.

Call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200) or visit phsd.ca for more information.