The Cold Weather Alert issued by public health

While the snow is over, high winds are still making driving conditions in Lambton dicey.

Roads in open areas are often icy and backroads have sections of drifting.

Meantime; Lambton Public Health has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Monday based on the latest forecast from Environment Canada predicting the temperature to meet the threshold of -15°C overnight beginning Monday.

The alert is expected to remain in effect through Tuesday, Feb. 18, with the potential to extend beyond.

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.