Public Health supports the Sudbury Homelessness Network (City of Greater Sudbury) in its operation of the Extreme Cold Weather Alert System (City of Greater Sudbury), which notifies shelters and the public through a public service announcement that the temperature is expected to be below -15°C, or -20°C with the wind chill.
Protect yourself against the cold
Listen to the weather forecast
- Check the Government Canada weather forecast before going outside.
- Listen for a wind chill warning.
Plan ahead
- Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.
- Wear a hat (a large portion of body heat is lost from the head), mittens or insulated gloves.
- Wear a scarf, neck tube or face mask.
- When the wind chill is high, try to cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body’s extremities lose heat the fastest (ears, nose, fingers, and toes).
- Wear warm and waterproof footwear.
Seek shelter
- When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.
Stay dry
- Remove wet clothing if possible to avoid chills to the body.
- Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.
Keep active
- Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat, but try to avoid sweating.
Be aware
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
What is frostbite?
Frostbite is the freezing of a body part. The nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes are usually frostbitten first.
Who is at risk?
Frostbite can affect everyone. However, certain people are at a greater risk and need to be extra careful:
- older people
- people with disabilities who live alone
- babies and children
- people with a tall, slim build
- people with circulation problems
- people outside for long periods at a time
- people with inadequate shelter, clothing, and food
- people who drink alcohol or smoke
- people who are on certain medications
- people who take drugs
Signs and symptoms of frostbite:
- change in skin colour
- skin feels cold
- pain and swelling at the affected area
- tingling or numbness
- burning sensations
- affected area may look pale and waxy
- blisters, in severe cases
Preventing frostbite
Frostbite is preventable. There are a few steps you can take to lower the risk:
- dress in layers
- cover exposed skin
- stay warm and stay dry
- drink warm fluids—no alcohol or caffeine
- keep active, but avoid sweating
- limit the amount of time in the cold
- take warm-up breaks
- stay indoors during cold weather warnings
- watch for signs of frostbite
- help and check on others
Treating frostbite
- seek medical help
- cover area immediately
- go indoors if possible
- remove articles that may restrict circulation
- immerse the area in warm, not hot water
- warm the affected area gradually
- do not rub skin, it can cause tissue damage
- wiggle the toes and fingers
- move around
Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter from hypothermia.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia (“hypo” meaning low, “thermia” meaning temperature) is caused when the body is exposed to the cold for a long time and loses more heat than it can generate.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get hypothermia. Certain people are at a greater risk and need to be extra careful:
- older people
- people with disabilities who live alone
- babies and children
- people with a tall, slim build
- people with circulation problems
- people outside for long periods at a time
- people with inadequate shelter, clothing, and food
- people who drink alcohol or smoke
- people who are on certain medications
- people who use drugs
Signs and symptoms of hypothermia:
- confusion (poor judgement or slowed thinking)
- problems speaking
- stiff movements
- lack of energy (lethargy)
- drowsiness, possible loss of consciousness
People with hypothermia will begin shivering, but this sign can decrease and disappear in later stages.
Preventing hypothermia:
- dress in layers
- cover exposed skin
- stay warm and stay dry
- drink warm fluids, no alcohol, or caffeine
- keep active, but avoid sweating
- limit the amount of time in the cold
- take warm-up breaks
- stay indoors during cold weather warnings
- watch for signs of hypothermia
- help and check on others
Treating hypothermia
- seek medical help
- find a warm spot
- seek shelter from the weather
- lay flat (or keep the person lying flat)
- change to dry clothing
- warm the body any way possible
- drink warm water, milk, or juice
- avoid alcohol, caffeine, or hot drinks