Extreme cold weather warning issued

It's very cold out there, and things don't look to improve in the next week.

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning issued for:

• North Bay - West Nipissing,
• Mattawa
• Greater Sudbury and vicinity,
• New Liskeard - Temagami,
• Témiscaming area, Que.
• Huntsville - Baysville,
• Burk's Falls - Bayfield Inlet, 
• Parry Sound Muskoka

A period of very cold wind chills continues.

Extreme wind chill values of minus 40 or below are expected over the next few nights. However, wind chills will moderate during the daytime hours.

The high today will struggle to minus 24 but the wind chill will be minus 39. Lows tonight will drop near minus 31.

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk.

Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Signs of hypothermia include:

• Shivering.
• Slurred speech or mumbling.
• Slow, shallow breathing.
• Weak pulse.
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination.
• Drowsiness or very low energy.
• Confusion or memory loss.

And don't forget your pers will also need special attention.

PetMD says if you suspect your pet is suffering from the cold:

1. Warm some blankets on a radiator or in the clothes dryer with haste.
2. Wrap the dog in the blankets.
3. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it against the dog’s abdomen. Do not use it unwrapped, as this will burn the skin.
4. If the dog is conscious, give him warmed fluids to drink.
5. Check the dog’s temperature every 10 minutes: if it is below 98°F (36.7°C), get immediate veterinary attention.
6. Once the temperature is above 100°F ( 37.8°C), you can remove the hot water bottle to avoid overheating. Keep the dog in a warm room.