From LINKS Community Center
Created: 22 September 2023
Last edited: 23 October 2023
Last edited: 23 October 2023
Type:
WebsitePublishing Organisation:
Government of CanadaLanguages
- English
Scenarios
- COLDWAVE
Disaster Management Phase
During
* 1) Listen to the weather forecast
- Check the weather forecast before going out.
- Listen for a wind chill warning.
- Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected.
- 2) Plan ahead
- Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it's very cold, or when the wind chill is significant.
- For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.
- Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it's very cold, or when the wind chill is significant.
- 3) Dress warmly
- Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.
- When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible.
- Your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.
- When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves.
- Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.
- Wear warm and waterproof footwear.
- 4) Seek shelter
- When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.
- 5) Stay dry
- Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
- Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.
- 6) Keep active
- Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.
- 7) Be aware
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (see below).
- Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy.
- They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
- The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.
Hypothermia
Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature.
Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur
It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness.
Cardiac arrest may occur
- What to do:
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
- Get the person indoors.
- Gently remove wet clothing.
- Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.
Frostbite
A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.
Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
No sensation - the area is numb or tingling.
- What to do:
- Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation.
- Get medical help!
- Do not rub or massage the area.
- Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
- Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C).
- Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.
Note:
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