Bitterly cold conditions in the forecast trigger extreme cold warning

Frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia are all risks

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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With frigid temperatures in the forecast, some Haligonians may be considering spending the start of the weekend in hibernation.

An extreme cold warning has officially been issued for the Halifax area, along with the rest of the province, calling for bitterly cold conditions Friday evening into Saturday.

The warning is triggered in Atlantic Canada whenever the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 35 for at least two hours.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, Environment Canada is calling the temperature to plummet from a high of 1 Friday morning, reaching a low of minus 24 overnight into Saturday with a windchill of minus 38.

The forecast high for Saturday is only minus 16.

Frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia are all risks in these conditions, and the elderly, very young children, and those with pre-existing conditions, chronic disease or persons with diseases of the blood circulation system are at higher risk of being affected by the cold weather.

“Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” the warning stated.

“Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.”

Nova Scotia’s Department of Community Services says it will be ramping up supports for people experiencing homelessness.

902 Man Up will have additional beds at both the Christ Church shelter on Dundas Street in Dartmouth and the North Park Street shelter in Halifax.

“North Park Street will be open Friday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 9 a.m.,” the department said on Twitter. “Christ Church will continue to operate overnight as a men’s only shelter, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.”

There will also be a warming centre staffed by 902 Man Up for people experiencing homelessness at St. Matthew’s Church on Barrington Street. It will be open from 5 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Sunday.

In Lower Sackville, Beacon House will extend their shelter hours to 6 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday at the former St. Elizabeth Seton Church on Metropolitan Avenue.

Transit will be available to take those in need to shelters. For more information call 311.

According to the Canadian Press, Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane said anyone in need of shelter will get a bed, even if the government needs to rent hotel rooms.

“We have ramped up efforts, knowing what Mother Nature is going to bring us,” MacFarlane said after a cabinet meeting in Halifax. “If there is anyone finding themselves in a precarious situation, there will be a bed for them — a safe place to stay.”

“We also have search and rescue out there … looking in areas, touching base with service providers within their communities that are normally aware of individuals who may find themselves homeless.”

And Halifax Regional Police are asking people to keep their pets in mind during this cold snap.

They say keep your pets indoors day and night.

“Cold temperatures can still harm your pets even though they have fur,” HRP said in a news release.

And when it’s time for a bathroom break, go with them. “If it’s too cold for you, it is too cold for them and you should head inside,” said police.

They add vehicles hold in cold air just like a refrigerator, so don’t leave them inside a cold car.

If you see an animal in distress call 902-490-5020 and take direction from the call taker.

With files from Canadian Press