Stay Safe in Cold Temperatures

PRESS RELEASE
Friday December 20, 2024, Peterborough

Peterborough Public Health Activates Extreme Cold Response Plan

Stay Safe in Cold Temperatures

As the cold weather arrives, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has once again activated their Extreme Cold Response Plan (ECRP) for the region. The ECRP mandates that PPH monitor temperatures and notify residents how to protect themselves when the temperature or wind chill reach temperatures that could cause negative health impacts. When the ECRP is activated, alerts will be shared on PPH’s social media, through media outlets, and with partner agencies.

A normal body temperature is approximately 37°C; changes of even one or two degrees to a core body temperature can increase a person’s risk of harm. When outside temperatures drop, staying warm and safe can become challenging, particularly when wind or other factors may cause the body to lose heat even faster.

While extreme cold can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for the following individuals:

• people experiencing homelessness
• older adults
• children, especially infants and young children
• people taking certain medications
• people with certain health conditions (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, mental illness, mobility limitations)
• people who live in homes that are poorly insulated, without heat/power
• people who are active outdoors (e.g., outdoor workers, winter sport enthusiasts)

Read more in the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231130-Climate-Change-Vulnerability-Assessment-2023.pdf).

The City of Peterborough has extended the hours of Trinity Community Centre, located at 360 Reid St, from 9am to 7pm (overnight services remain 8pm to 8am). For a full description of meals and services that One City provides, please visit www.onecityptbo.ca. Residents of the County are encouraged to visit heated public spaces, such as libraries or arenas, or warming centres when needed.
The most common cold-related injuries are windburn, frostbite and hypothermia, all of which are preventable. There is also a higher risk of heart attacks during extreme cold events since a person’s heart rate will increase as the body tries to pump blood faster to maintain warmth. Not to mention that during periods of cold, it is also likely to be slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries because of hazardous conditions.

Residents are reminded to protect themselves, and those in their care, from extreme cold by:

• seeking shelter when the temperatures drop or there is a wind chill
• always wearing clothing appropriate for the weather
• dressing in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer
• wearing warm socks, hat, gloves, and scarf
• changing into dry clothing as soon as possible, if you get wet
• paying attention to weather alerts, including wind chill alerts
• knowing their own risk factors, such as certain medical conditions

For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca