You might be Canadian if you can handle the cold, but you are a wise Canadian if you get out of the cold this time around.
The recent extreme cold snap to hit Barrie and Simcoe County is a dangerous one and has prompted many locally to open the doors a little longer for those in need. Temperatures are expected to remain at minus 23 today and throughout the weekend, but could end up feeling like minus 40 with the wind chill. Scott LaMantia knows that it is way too cold for anyone to be safely outside for any amount of time let alone all day, and the City of Barrie senior communications advisor is letting folks know there are places to go.
“When it is this cold, no one should be outside for extended periods of time,” said LaMantia. “That’s why it’s important that people know they can come in to any of our public facilities to warm up. This includes City Hall, our libraries and recreation centres; our rec centres are actually open until midnight seven days a week.”
While these locations are available during the day and a little bit of the evening, overnight becomes a problem as the sun going down only worsens the conditions and is when the situation for many in Barrie becomes life or death. Barrie Out Of The Cold (BOOTC) is desperately needed during this time and could be the saving grace for those who don’t have a place to go for sleep. If you see anyone in need of shelter, the BOOTC campaign is ongoing and the locations for the weekend are Trinity Anglican Church tonight and Collier Street United Saturday and Sunday. Their website has all the information needed to keep warm this winter.
With an average of 180 calls a day already, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services (CSPS) are hoping to keep the numbers where they are or lower. While most think immediately of exposure as a reason for the CSPS phones to be ringing, Deputy Chief of Operations J.C. Gilbert says that it’s not the only cause for concern in this extreme weather.
“Exposure is certainly something we hear about but what is not thought of are other health issues,” said Gilbert. “The concern for us is knowing that this kind of weather can exasperate underlying health issues for those who are already sick or have medical conditions. Breathing and frailty issues can be heightened with this cold as it wears people down. The best advice we can give is, when you can, stay indoors. Also watch for the signs that we all know but sometimes ignore. When you’re shivering, that is your body losing heat and in the very cold outdoors you’re not going to be able to get that heat back anytime soon. When exposed skin becomes numb, tingling, red or even a hardened-white then you’re in a zone in which you need to immediately get indoors and get warm.”
The Commander of Operations for the CSPS Stephen Trafford points out another very big concern that he hopes everyone will take into consideration.
“Please folks, think of the vulnerable during these days in particular,” said Trafford. “Check on your elderly neighbours or anyone you know that does have health concerns; a quick phone call or walk next door won’t hurt. Another thought are the little ones who are wanting to get outside during the break they are on. If they do go out, watch closely at how they are, even if they say they’re fine. It’s probably best to keep them in and find activities for them in the warmth. Something folks may not think of especially is if the power goes out, the vulnerable become even more in need, so be mindful of that too.”
There are ways to prepare for an emergency power outage. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website encourages people to create a kit that includes items such as candles, matches, critical medication, a first aid kit and many items for safety and food preparation. A detailed list can be found at their website.
