Kingston, southeastern Ontario area under extreme cold warning

Kingstonist file photo.
The South East Health Unit (SEHU) has issued an extreme cold weather health warning in response to an Environment Canada extreme cold warning, which was issued at 11:25 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
The Environment Canada warning stated that windchill values will be near -30°C to as low as -35°C overnight and into Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to moderate Wednesday afternoon.
According to a release from the SEHU, which includes Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health, Environment Canada issues an extreme cold weather warning in southeastern Ontario when the temperature or windchill is expected to reach -35°C for at least two hours.
“When there are extreme cold temperatures outside, children and seniors should take precautions to avoid the effects of the cold or be kept indoors to avoid cold injuries. SEHU also works with community service providers, municipalities, schools, long-term care homes, and emergency service providers to ensure that vulnerable groups are taken into consideration,” the health unit stated.
“Very cold weather brings an increased risk of hypothermia for people who stay outside for long periods of time without adequate protection. Overexposure to cold temperatures can result in severe injury. People at greatest risk from cold injuries include infants, the elderly, those who are underhoused or experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, recreation enthusiasts and people who consume excess alcohol.”
SEHU recommends that everyone takes the following actions to prevent cold injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite:
Wear several layers of clothing and make sure that the outer layer protects you from wind and wetness.
Cover exposed skin (with hats, mittens, face mask) to protect against frostbite.
Drink warm fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol, to prevent dehydration.
Maintain a heated indoor environment above 20°C; hypothermia can even occur indoors when?temperatures are 16°C (61°F) or lower.
Avoid outdoor strenuous exercise during cold spells.
Check frequently on elderly and vulnerable people; ensure they are in a safe and warm environment.
KFL&A Public Health encourages everyone to know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and what to do in those circumstances:
Frostbite
Frostbite is an injury to the skin that is caused by freezing. The risk of frostbite increases when the wind chill rises. Early signs include pink or reddish areas that may feel numb. As frostbite progresses, the affected area will become white and waxy in appearance. If you suspect frostbite, move to a warm area out of the wind and gently re-warm the affected area using your own body heat; the affected area should not be rubbed, as rubbing can cause more damage. Medical help should be sought if the area does not return to normal colour or sensation quickly.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, and it begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The result is an abnormally low body temperature that can affect brain and muscle function. Hypothermia can be dangerous as a person may not be aware that it is happening and may not understand that corrective action is necessary. An adult who stumbles, mumbles and fumbles objects may be suffering from hypothermia.
If hypothermia is suspected, the affected person should be moved to a warm location, and any wet clothing removed. The individual should be covered with several layers of blankets and offered a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drink if he or she is able to swallow. A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and if a pulse can’t be found in the neck, call 911 immediately and perform CPR on the affected person immediately. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others. This warning is in effect as long as the extreme weather conditions exist.
More information from Public Health on protective measures can be found here.
The City of Kingston has a list of warm up locations that are open to the public here. Besides those resources, Kingscourt-Rideau District Councilor Brandon Tozzo shared that Artillery Park will be open overnight for those looking to escape the cold. See his post here.