Cold alert prompts Hamilton to open warming centres

The Medical Officer of Health for the city of Hamilton has issued a cold weather alert with temperatures expected to drop Friday night.

An alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below -15 C or -20 C with wind chill.

According to Environment Canada, there is a 70 per cent chance of flurries during the evening with wind gusts up to 40 kilometres per hour. Temperatures could reach a low of – 19 C but the wind chill will make it feel like – 26 C.

When a cold alert is issued, the city focuses on promoting access to safe and warm shelter to those on the street and for individuals living in vulnerable conditions with limited heat.

“Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Wind always makes it feel colder, and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia,” reads the alert on the city’s website. “During extreme cold weather conditions, please call, visit, or check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.”

Community agencies that work with people who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness will implement their policies and procedures with regards to cold weather.

The following Hamilton Recreation Centres will be open as warming centres from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. during a Cold Alert:

• Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre at 150 Violet Dr.
• Huntington Park Recreation Centre at 87 Brentwood Dr.
• Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre at 192 Wentworth St North (during a Cold Alert, this warming centre will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
• Westmount Recreation Centre at 35 Lynbrook Dr.

The following community partner agencies are offering warm places or extended hours of operation as drop-in sites during cold alerts:

The Hub 78 Vine Street, Hamilton(at Vine and Park)
Regular hours of operation: Daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cold Alert Extended hours of operation 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.

Wesley Day Centre 52 Catherine Street North, Hamilton
Extended Hours of operation during Cold Alert:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to midnight
Sunday: 1 p.m. to midnight

The best place to be during a cold alert is indoors but if you must be outside, the city has offered the following tips:

• Dress in layers of clothing. Keep inner layers dry. Wet clothing increases the risk of cold injury.
• Protect your face, ears and hands with a scarf, hat, and gloves
• To protect your feet, socks must be dry. Wool is a good material to keep your feet dry.
• Drink warm fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid strenuous exercise

Residents concerned about an individual on the street who may require shelter can call the Salvation Army at 905-527-1444, ext. 0.