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Living > Public Health, Safety

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts

Currently, there are no Cold Weather Alerts.

Why does Public Health issue Cold Weather Alerts?

Alerts ensure homeless persons and other members of the community vulnerable to the effects of extreme winter weather are protected during the cold spell.  A voluntary network of agencies region-wide coordinates resources, locates shelter spaces, and transports those vulnerable to exposure, if necessary. 

Extreme cold weather alerts are called when:

  • temperatures fall below -15° Celsius
  • when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure to the outdoors (blizzard, wind chill warning)

Health Risks of Extreme Cold

Who is at Risk?

  • Infants (under 1 year)
  • People 65 years of age or older
  • People without permanent shelter
  • Outdoor workers
  • Sport enthusiasts (skiers, ice skaters)
  • People living in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat
  • People living in homes without power (usually due to other weather-related events such as a winter storm

Know Symptoms and When to Get Help

  • Hypothermia
    Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

  • Frostbite
    Symptoms/signs include white/grayish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

Consult a healthcare provider or call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000 or TTY at 1-877-797-0007) if you experience any of the above symptoms.

What should a Person do During a Cold Weather Alert?

  • Stay in heated buildings as much as possible (your home, friend or family's place, public buildings such as malls or libraries)

  • Dress appropriately and cover exposed skin - Wear gloves, mittens and a scarf to protect the chin, lips, and cheek. Exposed skin can become frostbitten in 30 seconds

  • Wear a Hat - Up to 40 per cent of body heat loss can occur through the head

  • The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends keeping children indoors if the temperature falls below -25° Celsius, or if the wind chill is -28° Celsius or greater

  • Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholised beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.

  • Wear clothes in layers: inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer

  • Keep moving. Limit time sitting - stand up and move around

  • Take shelter from the wind - this can reduce wind chill exposure

  • Check on neighbours who may be at risk

More information is available by calling Niagara Region Public Health's Environmental Health division at 905-688-3762 or 1-800-263- 7248.

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