Lambton County’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karalyn Dueck,
has issued a Cold Weather Alert for the region based on the latest forecast from

Environment Canada predicting the temperature to meet the threshold of -15°C
overnight beginning Monday, Feb. 17.

The alert is expected to remain in effect through Tuesday, Feb. 18, with the potential to
extend beyond. The Medical Officer of Health will not issue a Cold Weather Alert
termination.

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.
  Lambton Public Health (LPH) advises local agencies that provide shelter and assistance
  to individuals experiencing homelessness to prepare for an increase in demand during
  the Cold Weather Alert.
  

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.

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.