Bundle up: Environment Canada issues extreme cold warning for Ottawa
Overnight wind chill could feel like –40
Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Ottawa, while the city has upgraded its Thursday frostbite advisory to a warning as well.
At 11 a.m. it was –14 C in Ottawa with a wind chill of –22. The low Friday night is expected to dip down to –25 C.
A cold front passing through the region will cause gusty northwest winds and windchills between –35 and –40 overnight and Saturday morning, said Environment Canada's warning.
Temperatures will improve "marginally" on Saturday before plunging again Saturday night. Some relief could come on Sunday, said the warning.
- NEED TO KNOW | Frostbite: How to avoid, detect and treat
The frostbite warning means there will be emergency sleeping spaces in shelters for homeless Ottawans, the city said.
Street outreach services will also work to encourage homeless people to come in out of the cold, and the Salvation Army will be providing emergency transportation and other services.
Tips to avoid frostbite
Health officials list these tips to avoid frostbite:
- Get to a warm area before frostbite sets in. If it is too cold outside, consider staying indoors.
- Keep extra mittens and gloves in the car, house or backpack.
- Wear larger mittens over your gloves.
- Wear a scarf to protect the chin, lips and cheeks. They are all extremely susceptible to frostbite.
- Wear two pairs of socks — wool if possible.
- Keep feet warm and dry.
- Do not drink alcohol, which narrows blood vessels and promotes frostbite plus hypothermia.
If you are wondering if you might have frostbite, there are four signs. Health officials call them the four "P's:"
- Pink: reddish in colour (first sign).
- Pain: becomes painful.
- Patches: white, waxy-feeling patches show when skin is dying.
- Pricklies: areas feel numb.
If you do notice you have frostbite, Ottawa Public Health advises you do the following:
- Do not rub or massage affected areas. It may cause more damage.
- Warm up the area slowly. Use a warm compress or your own body heat to re-warm the area but don't use a compress that is too hot. Underarms are a good place.
- If toes or feet are frostbitten, try not to walk on them.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you see white- or grey-coloured patches or if the area is numb.
Paramedics advise residents to seek immediate medical attention if you notice a severe frostbite.