As the frigid temperatures return to Muskoka health officials want you to be ready.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit says you need to be ready to protect yourself from the chilly wind if you’re heading outside. Health Hazards Coordinator Lori Holmes says it’s as easy as bundling up.
Holmes says once the temperature drops to minus 30 or lower frostbite can set in within ten minutes. If your skin starts turning yellow or black you need to get inside. Holmes says the best treatment is slowly warming your skin with your hands or a warm cloth. If it doesn’t get better you need to go to the emergency room.
Hypothermia can set in once the temperature drops to minus 20 or lower. Hypothermia symptoms include slurred speech, drowsiness, and excessive shivering. Holmes says if someone you know has hypothermia you need to call 9-1-1 and start warming them up.
Muskoka is heading into a deep freeze Thursday night and Environment Canada warns it may last until Sunday.