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.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
