Peterborough Public Health prepares for frostbite
Alert program will keep the public informed about the risk of extreme cold
Peterborough Public Health is ready for extreme cold and wind.
The Extreme Cold Response Plan, activated this week, will see frostbite warnings and other alerts posted to Peterborough Public Health’s social media when necessary, and shared with media to get the word out about the dangers of extreme cold.
“Cold weather injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia, are preventable,” medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra stated. “Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of cold weather if dry and properly dressed. Our plan is designed to advise the general public of an increased risk of frostbite and how they can take action to prevent injury.”
Seniors, infants, people with cardiovascular diseases and the homeless are at particular risk from cold, with Salvaterra noting that there were 289 coldrelated emergency-room visits in Peterborough between 2003 and 2018 — about 18 a year.
Notifications of frostbite alerts and other warnings will be posted at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and Peterborough Public Health’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as issued to the media and other partners.
In addition to the health unit’s advisories, the city’s social services department has an extreme weather plan that could see extended hours for community shelter services.
This would mean One Roof Community Centre drop-in at 99 Brock St. will extend hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Normal hours of operation during the winter are from noon to 7 p.m. The Warming Room at 175 Murray St. is open overnight every night from 9:30 p.m. to 9 a.m.
County residents are encouraged to consult their township for measures related to their local extreme cold response, Peterborough Public Health states. Most townships and
Curve Lake First Nation will post extreme weather alerts on their websites and encourage residents to check on neighbours.
Peterborough Public Health’s ECRP has three levels of notification: Frostbite Alert: “A Level 1 Frostbite Alert is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature of -27 C to -38 C or a wind chill of -27 to -38. This level of notification reminds residents to: cover unprotected skin; avoid prolonged outdoor exposure; drink warm fluids; watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia; check on neighbours; and maintain a warm indoor environment (ideally 20 C or warmer).”
Frostbite Warning: “A Level 2 Frostbite Warning is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature between -39 C and -47 C or a wind chill of -39 to -47. This level of notification reminds residents of the core messages above in addition to: reminding children and the elderly to stay indoors; advising the general public to reduce time spent outdoors; and advising the public to check their faces and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite.”
Cold Weather Emergency: “A Level 3 Cold Weather Emergency is issued when meteorologists forecast a temperature of
-48˚ C or colder or a wind chill of -48 or colder OR when the temperature is below -27˚ C or a wind chill below -27 accompanied by a contributing risk factor such as a power outage, or critical infrastructure failure. This level of notification reminds residents of all the core messages above in addition to: requesting that residents stay indoors; ensuring vulnerable individuals are in a warm, safe environment; and advising the public to check their faces and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite.”
Peterborough Public Health also offers direct notification to schools and day care providers and other community agencies upon request. Call 705-743-1000, ext. 391.