City of Hamilton issues Cold Weather Alert

The City of Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a Cold Weather Alert effective overnight tonight. A Cold Weather Alert is issued when temperatures are anticipated to be at or below minus 15 degrees Celsius or minus 20 with wind chill.

In a release sent out this afternoon, the City of Hamilton is encouraging everybody to stay indoors tonight. However, if you must be outside, they offered advice to keep you safe:

• 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.

“Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health,” the City said in the release. “Wind always makes it feel colder, and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. During extreme cold weather conditions, please call, visit, or check on vulnerable family, friends, and
neighbours.”

“The City of Hamilton has notified community agencies who work with people that are
vulnerable and experiencing homelessness. Each of those agencies will implement their
policies and procedures with regards to cold weather. Select City of Hamilton
Recreation Centres are available from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m, and select Hamilton Public
Library branches are open for those who need to keep warm. Select community partner
agencies are offering warm places as drop-in during cold alerts. To protect residents,
COVID-19 precautions will be in place for all sites.”

Learn more about Hamilton’s Community Cold Response.