Point Edward, ON – Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Lambton County based on the latest forecast of temperatures as low as -18 °C, with winds of 30 km/h, which will give wind chill values as cold as -30 °C.
The warning is expected to remain in effect until Tuesday, Jan. 16. The Medical Officer of Health will not issue a Cold Weather Warning termination.
A Cold Weather Warning is issued when one or more of the following is met:
- Daily, low temperature is predicted to be -15°C or below, without a wind chill value.
- Environment Canada issues a wind chill warning for Lambton County.
- Extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm, are predicted.
Lambton Public Health (LPH) advises local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness to prepare for an increase in demand during the Cold Weather Warning. All residents should take precautions by dressing in layers, shielding exposed areas from the wind such as head, neck, and face, and limiting time spent outdoors.
Overexposure to cold can be hazardous and even life-threatening. Hypothermia, which can strike in any season, occurs when the body’s temperature drops below the normal range between 36.1 °C and 37.8 °C (97°F and 100°F). Symptoms may include pale skin, lethargy, confusion, excessive shivering, and hallucinations.
Please visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca for more information about extreme cold and your health and to access a list of available warming centre locations and hours of operation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please contact Lambton County Social Services at 519-344-2062, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For assistance outside of these hours, please contact the Good Shepherd’s Lodge at 519-344-1679.
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Please contact:
LPH-media-inquiries@county-lambton.on.ca