Cold Alert

Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services no longer issues cold advisories. Follow Environment Canada for the most up-to-date alerts, and check with your local municipality to see which shelters are available.

Risks during a cold alert

During cold weather, everyone is at risk, but those most at risk of developing a cold-related illness include:

  • Infants and children
  • Seniors
  • People living in poverty and / or without permanent shelter
  • People who work or exercise outdoors

Health effects during a cold alert

Frost bite

  • Symptoms include white / grayish area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy with numbness
  • Seek immediate medical attention
  • In extreme cold weather, exposed skin can become frostbitten in 30 seconds

Hypothermia

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

Protect yourself during a cold alert

  • Stay in a heated building
  • Dress appropriately by wearing a hat and covering exposed skin
  • Wear multiple clothing layers
  • Keep children indoors if the temperature falls below -25 degrees Celsius
  • Check on neighbours who are at risk
  • Take shelter from the wind
  • Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
  • Limit time sitting by moving around
  • Use caution when shovelling snow especially those with medical conditions
  • Evaluate and review successes

To review your municipal emergency response plan, visit our emergency management page.

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