Early this morning (at 4:15am) Environment Canada issued a yellow alert for a period of very cold wind chills of minus 30°C to minus 35°C.
It said extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Cover up as frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter, said the alert.
It gave the following tips:
- Watch for cold related symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.
- Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.
- Check on older family, friends and neighbours.
- Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
- If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
- Watch for colour changes on fingers and toes, pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, or swelling. If present, move indoors and begin warming.
- Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.
It asked people to continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.