Brutal Conditions Leave GTA In The Cold
Posted December 22, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There ought to some kind of special word created for the type of cold that’s plunged the city into the deepest of deep freezes on Monday. “Brutal,” “unbearable” and “get me out of here!” just don’t seem to be quite enough.
Temperatures that will struggle to reach -6C during the day are being complicated by wind chills in the -20 range.
Not even the bright sunshine that came streaming down throughout much of the day provided any warmth. It was enough to force the city to extend its extreme cold weather alert another day, after posting it late last week.
After a battering of non-stop snow, this was the last straw for many. “I live in Shanghai,” notes Alison Shiraishi, back for the holidays. “I’m originally from Toronto, and came home to see the family, and didn’t want to come because of the snow. But I’m missing the 12C weather in Shanghai right now!”
Some are taking advantage of the cold while it lasts to carve their own impression on Mother Nature. Take Pickering’s Michael Canam and what he decided to do to outside his warm home.
While layers, coats, scarves, hats, hoods and any other covering are the answers for most, some are just ignoring the brutal blow – like this guy walking down the street with just a jacket but no hat or gloves.
“Just baring it all,” he laughs when confronted on his lack of protection. “I’m a Canadian. What can I say?”
But isn’t he freezing?
“No,” insists, “of course not.”
But the cold is no laughing matter. Frostbite can set in at these temperatures with even as little as 10 minutes of exposure and even those properly bundled up can be easily affected.
“Frostbite is a cold injury where a body part or the skin actually freezes,” explains CityNews Medical Specialist Dr. Karl Kabasele. “That can cause damage to the tissue and can result in the loss of a body part or damage to the skin.”
Here’s a refresher course on what to do if Jack Frost does more than nip at your nose.
Frostnip
This is a mild form, where only the skin freezes. It can appear yellowish or white, but feels soft if touched. It’s accompanied by a painful tingling or burning sensation.
What you should do
Warm the afflicted area gradually. Putting it under hot water or hot air could cause a burn – and you may not be able to feel it before it’s too late. Try not to rub or massage the area, which could cause further damage.
Generally, frostnip isn’t serious and is easily cured when you get out of the cold.
Frostbite
A more extreme form of the cold, it can have far more serious consequences. In this case, both the skin and the underlying tissues are affected, making your flesh look white and waxy and feel hard when touched.
But chances are you won’t be able to feel those touches – the area usually goes completely numb.
What you should do
As before, gradually warm the area, using either body heat or warm (not hot) water. Beware of burning the skin, especially since you can’t feel anything right away.
Avoid rubbing or massaging the affected area and if the sensation doesn’t return soon, seek medical attention.
It doesn’t happen often, but untreated frostbite can lead to amputation if the damage is too severe.
Warding off winter
According to the city of Toronto, here’s some other things you can do to prevent the season from getting the bite on you:
- Maintain a heated environment (City law requires landlords to maintain an adequate heat level of 20 degrees Celsius/68 degrees Fahrenheit between September 15 and June 1 of each year).
- Wear layers of warm, dry clothing, including hats and gloves.
- Be aware of hypothermia (body temperature of 35 degrees Celsius/ 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less). Signs include stiff muscles, puffy face, slurred speech, shivering uncontrollably, slowed breathing, poor physical condition and mental confusion. If these signs are recognized, call 911.
- Drink non-alcoholic beverages such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup.
- Some prescription drugs may increase vulnerability to cold. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Be aware of elderly and disabled people living alone; offer assistance if necessary.
- Don’t use your oven as a heating device. All space heaters are a fire risk if used improperly.
There is one other bit of news that may make you feel warmer all over – temperatures are set to soar in the next few days and should get above freezing by Wednesday, with highs of 5C predicted by Saturday.
Middle photo by CityNews viewer Kermit Canam
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