City of Hamilton issues cold weather alert for Monday night

Hamilton’s medical officer of health is issuing a cold weather alert effective Monday night.

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

This alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health.

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“It’s important to remember, cold weather isn’t just an inconvenience, it is a legitimate health hazard,” says Matthew Lawson from Hamilton Public Health.

Wind always makes it feel colder and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, health experts say. During extreme cold weather conditions, please call, visit, or check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.

“Once we hit the sub zero temperatures, and often we get colder temperatures if you add in the wind chill effect, the window for staying safe in outdoor weather like this shrinks significantly,” Lawson says.

For people spending any amount of time outside, the impact is immediate.

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“It’s brutal, your hands go numb fast even with gloves on.”

Health officials are warning of frostbite and hypothermia.

Exposed skin can freeze within minutes, leading to frostbite, while longer exposure can cause hypothermia, when the body’s core temperature drops to dangerous levels.

“The wind will always make it feel colder to your skin and it can increase the risk that you’re gonna experience frostbite and potentially hypothermia if you don’t take steps to reduce that risk,” Lawson says.

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In a release, the City says it has notified community agencies who work with people who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness.

“They are able to stay warm during that time, get a meal and meet with case management to talk about exactly what they’re looking for in terms of service,” says Tiffany May with Mission Services of Hamilton.

On the streets, staying warm is a daily challenge. Especially for commuters like Michelle.

“I don’t go out unless I really have to.”

City of Hamilton recreation centres and Hamilton Public Library branches are available as warming spaces during regular business hours. For more information visit here.  

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The City of Hamilton has launched an enhanced Winter Response Strategy to support unhoused and vulnerable residents, which will be in effect daily until March 31.

For more information visit here.

The best place for you during a cold weather alert is indoors.

If you must be outside:

• • 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.

On Jan. 21, Hamilton’s medical officer of health cancelled the cold weather alert that was initiated on Jan. 19. Temperatures are no longer at or below -15C or -20 with wind chill.

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