Extreme cold alerts settle in

An absolutely freezing start to the new year continues. Bitter cold combined with snow leading to a slippery mess on the roads. Across Ontario, extreme cold alerts are in effect and are expected to last until Friday night. Many cities are urging residents to stay inside.

Here’s a look at the impact of the severe temperatures.

It is incredibly windy down here on the Burlington pier. that’s the major concern. the wind takes that protective layer of heat your body emits and just blows it away. without that buffer, your core temperature can drop extremely quickly.

Severe wind, blowing snow and temperatures dropping below minus thirty with the windchill. Its going right through this down coat. Its really cold.

“Like ouch. It hits you real hard.”

Hamida Meghani is an Associate Medical Officer of Health:   “We want people to stay indoors. And if they are going to be outdoors we want to make sure they are dressed warmly.”

Even with layers of clothing, temperatures this low can be extremely dangerous.

Hamida says:   “Confusion, drowsiness, memory loss, slurred speech.”

Be on the lookout for signs of hypothermia.

It is so cold down here on the water it took less than 5 minutes for this facecloth to freeze completely solid.

“Were numb.   Really freezing, everybody’s freezing.”

Especially people who work or live outdoors.

In Hamilton, shelter and warm clothing are available at Salvation Army’s Booth Centre

The wind is particularly concerning. Strong gusts whipping at exposed skin steal body heat in minutes.

Hamida says: Its so important to put that scarf on, keep your nose as covered as possible. Make sure your head and earlobes are covered as well.

If the temperature drops to minus forty with the windchill, skin can freeze in just seconds.

Here in Burlington, residents with concerns about emergency shelter from the cold can call 311 for assistance.

In Hamilton, call the Salvation Army at (905) 527-1444 extension 0.

And if you don’t absolutely need to go outside, stay in and stay off the roads.