Tara Jeffrey
Lambton Public Health is advising local agencies providing shelter and assistance to those experiencing homelessness, to prepare for an increase in demand as a cold weather alert is issued.
The alert, based on the latest forecast from Environment Canada, is expected to remain in effect until Sunday, Dec. 25, the health unit noted.
A cold weather alert 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.
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, the health unit said.
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.
For more information on severe cold weather and the risks involved including
hypothermia, frostbite and how to avoid them, please visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca.
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.