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Extreme Cold Warning Issued by Environment Canada

 Renfrew County and District Health Unit
“Optimal Health for All in Renfrew County and District”

For Immediate Release

Extreme Cold Warning Issued by Environment Canada

(Pembroke, Ontario, January 20, 2025)

Renfrew County and District Health Unit reminds residents to take precautions as the
temperature drops. Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the following
areas:

  • Algonquin Provincial Park
  • Whitney
  • Deep River


Extreme cold conditions are expected with windchill values near minus 35. Depending o
cloud cover, which may serve to moderate temperatures slightly, extreme cold conditions
may persist through Wednesday for some areas.
Very cold temperatures can lead to serious health risks like windburn, frostbite, and
hypothermia. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes and can happen to
anyone.

People most vulnerable to extreme cold include infants, older adults, people with medical
conditions affecting the heart or lungs, people taking certain medications such as betablockers, people experiencing homelessness, people living in a home without adequate
electricity or heat, and people working outdoors.
If you must be outdoors, reduce your risk and protect yourself from extreme cold conditions:

  • Dress in warm layers with a wind resistant outer layer.
  • Cover exposed skin when outdoors. Use a scarf to cover and protect your face and
  • nose.
  • Keep moving, including your hands and feet, to keep your blood flowing.
  • Be aware of how your medical conditions or medications may increase your risk.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Listen to the weather forecast, plan ahead, and modify your plans to reduce your risk.
  • Keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle when travelling.
  • Be aware of signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.

If shelter is needed, a Mesa warming centre is available 24 hours a day in Pembroke at 156 John Street.

For additional tips on how to stay safe during extreme cold events, visit Emergency
Preparedness | Renfrew County and District Health Unit (rcdhu.com)
and Health Canada:
Extreme Cold.
To monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada, please visit
Public Weather Alerts.

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Renfrew County and District Health Unit
media@rcdhu.com
www.rcdhu.com
Fax: 613-735-306

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Pembroke Office

141 Lake Street, Pembroke, Ontario K8A 5L8

Phone: 613-732-3629
Toll Free: 1-800-267-1097
Fax: 613-735-3067

Hours of Operation
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120 Plaunt Street South, Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 1M5

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If you require an alternative accessible format or assistance accessing information on this page, please contact us at contact@rcdhu.com or 613-732-3629.