As Mississauga and much of southern Ontario brace for extremely cold weather, city officials are advising everyone to keep themselves – and their pets – safe during this icy period.
“As temperatures plunge and wind chills bite, staying safe and warm becomes more than a matter of comfort – it is important,” the City of Mississauga said in an advisory on Friday afternoon. “With extreme cold gripping Mississauga, preparing ahead, dressing wisely and staying alert to rapidly changing conditions can make all the difference in protecting yourself and those around you. It can make all the difference.”
Environment Canada has issued cold weather warnings for a large swath of southern Ontario including the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, Niagara, London, Windsor and areas east of Toronto.
Wind chill values near -30 to -33 are expected, the national weather agency said. Areas west and south of the GTA are anticipated to experience these freezing conditions along with brisk winds gusting up to 50 km/h throughout Friday and into Saturday.
“Canadian winters can shift rapidly, and extreme cold may arrive with little warning,” city officials stated. “Build a habit of checking daily forecasts, especially the wind chill, which can intensify risks even when air temperatures appear manageable.”
To stay updated on the latest weather information, Mississauga officials recommend reliable sources like Environment Canada and the Weather Can app.
City officials also emphasize that extreme cold spells can pose health risks.
“As the temperature drops, it increases the risk of frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related health impacts, especially for children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and those working outdoors,” the city explained.
The city offers several tips for staying safe during extreme cold weather:
Dress appropriately – wear layers of lightweight insulated clothing topped with a wind-resistant outer layer. Don a hat that covers your ears along with mittens and a scarf to protect your nose and face. Change out of wet clothing right away since damp fabric speeds up heat loss. Choose suitable footwear – opt for insulated waterproof boots that have slip-resistant soles to help avoid injuries from falls. Be aware of frostbite – regularly check for symptoms such as numbness or tingling or white/pale skin on your ears, nose cheeks hands or feet. Shovel carefully – avoid overexertion by taking breaks often while using proper technique to lessen strain. If possible steer clear of strenuous activities altogether during severe cold since they can put pressure on your heart. Ensure pet safety – don’t leave pets outside in the cold too long or ever leave them inside vehicles. Check in on vulnerable individuals such as children and older adults since they’re more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Make sure they are bundled up properly. Exercise caution when walking on icy sidewalks steps or driveways. Keep your cellphone fully charged before heading outside as it could be crucial in an emergency.
(Cover photo: City of Mississauga)
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City officials also emphasize that extreme cold spells can pose health risks.
“As the temperature drops, it increases the risk of frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related health impacts, especially for children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and those working outdoors,” the city explained.
The city offers several tips for staying safe during extreme cold weather:
Dress appropriately – wear layers of lightweight insulated clothing topped with a wind-resistant outer layer. Don a hat that covers your ears along with mittens and a scarf to protect your nose and face. Change out of wet clothing right away since damp fabric speeds up heat loss. Choose suitable footwear – opt for insulated waterproof boots that have slip-resistant soles to help avoid injuries from falls. Be aware of frostbite – regularly check for symptoms such as numbness or tingling or white/pale skin on your ears, nose cheeks hands or feet. Shovel carefully – avoid overexertion by taking breaks often while using proper technique to lessen strain. If possible steer clear of strenuous activities altogether during severe cold since they can put pressure on your heart. Ensure pet safety – don’t leave pets outside in the cold too long or ever leave them inside vehicles. Check in on vulnerable individuals such as children and older adults since they’re more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Make sure they are bundled up properly. Exercise caution when walking on icy sidewalks steps or driveways. Keep your cellphone fully charged before heading outside as it could be crucial in an emergency.
(Cover photo: City of Mississauga)
Last 30 Days: 79,386 Votes
All Time: 1,176,428 Votes
992 VOTES
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