Taking the Nip Out of Frostbite

By 250 News

The frosty breeze blowing across the Civic Plaza didn't keep these skaters home

Prince George, B.C. -  With the temperatures falling back to more seasonal norms this past week, Northern Health is out with a few reminders regarding frostbite.

Injury Prevention Coordinator, Lynette Hewitt, is reminding residents across the region not to forget about the wind chill when they head out of doors.

Hewitt says while the temperature on the thermometer might not be too bad, a wind chill changes the picture dramatically.  She says, "You want to make sure that susceptible areas -- fingers, toes, your nose, cheeks -- those areas are protected."

The Northern Health spokesperson says while there's no figure on the number of cases of frostbite reported across the region annually, obviously, the colder the weather, the higher the risk.  She's urging skiers and snowboarders, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting hill openings, to take precautions against the biting wind.  (More tips are available on Northern Health's website, click here)

In addition, Hewitt says fire safety also becomes more of an issue at this time of year.  She says sometimes people turn to unconventional forms of heating when it gets extremely cold outside and their existing indoor heat systems are inadequate.  "Things like: barbeques brought indoors or propane heaters that aren't meant to be used inside. There's issues with fire and, in some cases, carbon monoxide or other kinds of fumes and gases."

Environment Canada is calling for a chilly week ahead.  Tomorrow the high is forecast to reach minus-15, but it will feel like minus-25 with the wind chill

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