As frigid temperatures continue to grip the region, municipal officials are urging local residents to look out for themselves and others.
Although an extreme cold warning issued by Environment Canada ended this morning, cold temperatures are in the forecast for CK through the end of the week.
Cold conditions create an elevated risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
If you suspect someone may be suffering from hypothermia:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- If possible, move the person to a warm area and dress them in warm clothing.
- Offer warm water, juice or milk.
- Do not offer alcohol or hot drinks (alcohol alters blood flow, making surface blood vessels open wider allowing the body to lose heat faster, providing a false sense of being warmer.)
Hope Haven in Chatham will remain open from 7pm to 7am as an overnight warming centre.
Municipal officials also remind pet owners not to leave their animals outside for long as they are also at risk from overexposure to extreme cold temperatures.