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Extreme cold warning for Red Deer and area

Wind chill making it feel like almost -40C
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Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Red Deer and much of Central Alberta with wind chills approaching -40C on Tuesday morning.

The temperature at 8:45 a.m. was -29C.Wednesday will see warmer temperatures of a high of -15C in Red Deer but wind chills still of -39C.

Red Deer Catholic Schools have cancelled bus service for all rural schools including Blackfalds.Innisfail, Sylvan Lake, Olds and Rocky Mountain House schools are also open but all those school buses are also cancelled.

As well, Canadian Blood Services is asking local residents to donate blood following the snowfall and cold in the area. Conditions across the country have forced the unexpected cancellation or postponement of clinics.

To make up for lost collections, and if conditions are safe to do so, area residents are urged to help replenish blood supplies by booking an appointment.

Despite the severe weather in Red Deer, the blood donor clinic is open and residents are asked to give blood and help fill over 700 open appointments.

There are clinics in Red Deer Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To book an appointment donors can use the Give Blood App or visit blood.ca.

The areas covered by Tuesday’s extreme cold warning include:

- City of Red Deer

- Red Deer Co. near Elnora Lousana and Delburne

- Red Deer Co. near Penhold Innisfail and Bowden

- Red Deer Co. near Pine Lake

- Red Deer Co. near Spruce View and Red Lodge Prov. Park

- Red Deer Co. near Sylvan Lake and Stephansson House

- Lacombe Co. near Clive Alix and Mirror

- Lacombe Co. near Eckville

- Lacombe Co. near Lacombe Blackfalds and Bentley

- Ponoka Co. near Ponoka and Maskwacis

- Co. of Stettler near Big Valley

- Co. of Stettler near Botha and Gadsby

- Co. of Stettler near Byemoor and Endiang

- Co. of Stettler near Donalda

- Co. of Stettler near Stettler Nevis and Rochon Sands

- Camrose Co. near Bashaw and Meeting Creek

- Co. of Paintearth near Halkirk and Big Knife Prov. Park

- Flagstaff Co. near Forestburg and Galahad

Environment Canada advises people to wear appropriate clothing.

- Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.

- Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

- Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.

- If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Some people are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia:

- homeless people

- outdoor workers

- people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)

- people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers

- winter sport enthusiasts

- people who consume excess alcohol

- infants and seniors.