Polls
Myth/Fact: C-c-c-cold weather facts } Answers
The weather report says it's 11, but it feels more like 20! Blame the wind chill, which changes the temperature outside.
1) Myth: The wind doesn't actually change the temperature, but the temperature we feel is not the air temperature but our skin temperature. A person will sense that it's colder because the wind steals body heat by blowing away warm air that surrounds the skin. This means the wind chill factor is not a factor for inanimate objects like rocks, cars and snow they will all maintain the same temperatures no matter how strongly the winds blow. The coldest wind chill recorded in Canada was at Pelly Bay, Nunavut, on January 13, 1975, when 56 km/h winds (a wind chill factor of 3,357 watts/mē) made the temperature of -51 C feel more like -92 C.
Better bundle up, wind chill or not, once the mercury dips below 28, bare skin can freeze in 30 minutes.
2) Fact: Once the temperature drops to 28 or colder, exposed skin can freeze in under 30 minutes. When it drops to 40, frostbite can occur in less than 10 minutes. Take it to 55, and you're in danger within two minutes. Anything colder than that and Environment Canada warns you shouldn't go outside at all.
Oops, you forgot your gloves! Check for frostbite, the first sign of which is burning skin.
3) Fact: Normally, the first sign of frostbite is a stinging or burning sensation in skin that has been exposed to the cold for too long. The length of time depends on how cold it is or how bad the wind chill. Exposed skin will become red and swollen before the stinging or burning sensation kicks in. If it remains exposed, the skin will feel like it is tingling and it will turn white and waxy as the frostbite progresses.
If you do get frostbite on your feet or toes, walk it off.
4) Myth: It's very important not to walk on frozen feet or toes, drink alcohol, or rub, apply snow to, or put intense, direct heat on the frostbitten areas. The best way to warm up frostbitten hands, feet or face is to thaw the affected area by immersing in warm water (no more than 40 C), drying and covering the area with warm clothes followed by layers of blankets and holding frostbitten fingers close to warm parts of the body.
If you've been in the cold too long, watch for symptoms of hypothermia, which include weakness and dizziness.
5) Fact: Hypothermia results when body temperature falls below 35 C. Symptoms include drowsiness, impaired co-ordination and weakness. It can also be fatal.
Whether it was flurries or a blizzard, snow has wreaked havoc on your driveway. You'd better warm-up and do some stretches before you start shoveling.
6) Fact: Shovelling can be hard on your heart and blood pressure and that cold weather can increase a chance of heart attack. Do take the time to do warm-up exercises to get your body accustomed to the vigorous exercise in the cold. Take frequent breaks so your body doesn't get too strained and stop shoveling if you experience any suspicious symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or severe headache.
Severe cold may sound dramatic, but that cold weather can be deadlier than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.
7) Fact: Winter storms and excessive cold claim more than 100 lives every year in Canada, more than the combined toll from hurricanes, tornadoes, flood, extreme heat and lightning. Many of those who die are killed trying to get rid of the stuff stricken by heart attacks while shovelling snow off their driveways.
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