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A cold warning has been issued for Northumberland County and several neighbouring regions as a wave of severe winter weather moves in tonight.
Lakelands Public Health says the warning takes effect Thursday night and continues through Friday for Northumberland County, the City and County of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County. Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting temperatures near minus 26 degrees, with wind chill values reaching as low as minus 38. Officials say the bitter cold may continue into the weekend.
Public health officials warn these conditions sharply increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, especially during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest.
Julie Bromley, Manager of Emergency Services and Healthy Environments with Lakelands Public Health, says this is the second cold warning issued this month and residents should take extra precautions before heading outdoors. She says extreme cold can be dangerous and even life threatening, particularly for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, young children and those with chronic health conditions.
Frostbite symptoms can include pale, hard or numb skin, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears and the nose. Hypothermia symptoms include intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech and trouble walking. Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency.
Those at higher risk include people without adequate heat, individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, people with mobility or cognitive challenges, outdoor workers and winter sport enthusiasts.
Residents are advised to limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing with a wind resistant outer shell, cover exposed skin, and make sure home heating systems and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Warming centres and heated public spaces are also recommended if needed.
More cold weather safety information is available at LakelandsPH.ca/Cold.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
