Extreme Cold

Extreme cold can harm your health. Skin exposed to very cold temperatures can get windburn or frostbite. If our bodies become too cold, hypothermia can set in. This is a very serious health problem that can be life threatening.

Who’s at Risk

While everyone is at risk during extreme cold, some people are more vulnerable to windburn, frostbite and hypothermia than others. This may be because they spend more time in the cold or because of differences in their bodies. People who may be at greater risk include:

People in unstable housing situations
Outdoor workers
People living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
People with certain medical conditions affecting the blood vessels
People taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers
Winter sport enthusiasts
Infants (under 1 year)
Older adults (65 years or older)

Symptoms of Cold-Related Illness

There are three main health risks related to extreme cold:

Windburn
Frostbite
Hypothermia

It’s important to know the symptoms of these cold-related illnesses so that you can warm up to prevent injury and harm to your health.

In cold weather, blood vessels near the skin constrict to protect the core body temperature. When your body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time, blood flow to your hands, feet, nose and ears can be severely restricted. The combination of poor circulation and extreme cold to these body parts can lead to frostbite (mild or severe).

Mild frostbite symptoms may include yellowish or white skin that is still soft to the touch. Skin may turn red during the warming process, but normal colour returns once the area is warmed.

What to Do

If you suspect mild frostbite, it can be treated in two ways: passive warming and active warming.

Passive Warming

Passive warming can be done by moving to a warmer room, wrapping yourself in blankets or reheating your body by skin-to-skin contact with another person.

Active Warming

Active warming can be done along with passive warming. Add heat directly to the frostbitten area, thawing the skin as quickly as possible without burning yourself. Place injured skin in water that is just above body temperature. Do not rub, massage or shake the injured skin because it can cause more damage.

Severe Frostbite

Severe frostbite can cause permanent nerve damage to body tissue if not treated immediately. Symptoms may include discolouration and blackening of skin and loss of feeling and blisters in the affected area. If the skin is broken and becomes infected, gangrene can set in which can result in loss of limbs.

Important: severe frostbite needs immediate medical attention.

While waiting for medical attention, treat the area with passive and active warming.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when there is a sustained decrease in normal body temperature (37°C). There are three stages of hypothermia. Advanced stages of hypothermia can be life-threatening.

Stages of Hypothermia	Cause	Symptoms	What to Do
Stage 1	Occurs when body temperature drops 1 to 2°C	Shivering Goose bumps Numbness of extremities (hands, feet, fingers and toes) Quick and shallow breathing A feeling of being tired and/or sick to your stomach	Find shelter Keep your muscles moving Dry and slowly warm your body Drink warm liquids Don't fight shivering, this is how your body warms
Stage 2	Occurs when body temperature drops 2 to 4°C	Strong shivering Uncoordinated muscles Slow and laboured movements Mild confusion Paleness Lips, ears, fingers or toes turn blue Inability to touch your thumb to the little finger of the same hand	Call 911. This is a medical emergency. While waiting for help: Find shelter Keep muscles moving Drink warm fluids
Stage 3	Occurs when body temperature drops 5°C or more	Stopping of shivering Trouble speaking, thinking, and walking Loss of memory Exposed skin becomes blue and puffy Difficulty moving muscles Irrational behaviour Slowed pulse and breathing	Call 911. This is a medical emergency. While waiting for help: Find shelter Keep muscles moving Drink warm fluids

Protect Yourself

How to Protect Yourself

Stay warm! Follow these tips to protect yourself from cold related illness.

Dress warmly

Wear appropriate clothing – synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation
Dress in layers – wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf covering your nose
If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible – you lose heat faster when wet

Protect your skin

On sunny days wear sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and keep it moisturized to help prevent windburn
Wear a face mask and goggles if you are participating in winter activities

Drink lots of fluids

When it’s cold, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Avoid caffeine, which can cause you to become dehydrated

Avoid drugs and alcohol

Drinking alcohol in the cold can increase your risk of getting hypothermia
If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your healthcare provider if it increases your health risk in the cold and follow their recommendations

Keep moving

Keep moving to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat

Seek Shelter

Know the weather conditions and pay attention to Environment and Climate Change Canada weather alerts – when it’s very cold, limit time spent outdoors
Winterize your home

Extreme Cold Warnings

Sometimes, outdoor temperatures can be extreme. When this happens, you are at greater risk of cold-related illnesses, including frostbite, windburn and hypothermia. It’s important to take steps to stay warm.

CK Public Health issues an extreme cold warning when Environment and Climate Change Canada has forecasted that the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 30°C for at least 2 hours.

You can find active cold alerts here.

Related News & Alerts.