Sunday, January 23, 2011
Frostbite Warning
Ottawa – The Medical Officer of Health has issued a Frostbite Warning to ensure people take appropriate precautions before heading outside and to encourage homeless people to get in from the cold. This warning is in effect for Sunday January 23, 2011.
A Frostbite Warning goes into effect when:
- A wind chill of -35 or colder is predicted for the Ottawa area by Environment Canada
- Extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm are predicted
With a wind chill of -35 or colder, exposed skin can freeze in as little as ten minutes. There is also an increased risk of hypothermia for people who stay outside for long periods of time without adequate protection. Overexposure can result in severe injury and even death. The Medical Officer of Health recommends that you wear several layers of clothing to keep warm and make sure that the outer layer protects you from wind and wetness.
The homeless are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. There are services available to help the homeless including:
- Emergency sleeping spaces in Ottawa shelters
- Street outreach services to encourage homeless people to come in from the cold
- Provision of emergency transportation and other services by the Salvation Army
To seek assistance for a homeless person, concerned citizens are encouraged to call:
The Help for the Homeless Phone Line at 613-580-2626
Calls are answered by the City of Ottawa Call Centre on a priority basis and referrals are made to the appropriate services.
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