February 27, 2014 -

KFL&A Public Health is issuing a cold weather health warning to area community partner agencies and the general public. According to Environment Canada, wind chill values are expected to drop below -28 this afternoon and overnight today, February 27, 2014. This advisory is in effect for the KFL&A area.  

At –25°C, hypothermia becomes an increasing health risk and when the wind chill reaches –35 or colder, exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 minutes. Over exposure to cold temperatures can result in severe injury and even death.  The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that children remain  indoors when the temperature is –25°C or –28 wind chill or colder.

KFL&A Public Health would like to remind community partner agencies that deal with vulnerable populations to review the information below, implement cold weather contingency plans and continue to monitor Environment Canada weather forecasts.

More information on protective measures can be found on our website www.kflapublichealth.ca

• KFL&A Public Health Extreme Cold Weather Response Plan
• Cold Weather Tips Poster
• Cold Weather Tips Pocket Guide
• Cold Weather Health Information for Service Providers
• Cold Weather Injuries: Know what to look for! Know what to do!  (French)
• KFL&A Public Health Extreme Cold Weather Response Plan (French)
• Cold Weather Guidelines for the General Public  (French)
• Environment Canada Weather Office

Contact:

Adrienne Hansen-Taugher, B.Sc(N)

Manager, Emergency Preparedness & Health Hazard

KFL&A Public Health

221 Portsmouth Avenue

Kingston, Ontario  K7M 1V5

613-549-1232, ext. 1256

Fax: 613-549-7896

Adrienne.Hansen-Taugehr@kflapublichealth.ca

www.kflapublichealth.ca