Hamilton issues Cold Weather Alert

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Published December 18, 2019 at 3:03 pm

The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton is issuing a Cold Weather Alert effective Wednesday (Dec. 18).

The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton is issuing a Cold Weather Alert effective Wednesday (Dec. 18).

In a press release issued Wednesday morning, the City of Hamilton says a Cold Weather Alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below -15 degrees Celsius or – 20 with the wind chill.

According to the Weather Network, temperatures are expected to feel like -21 tonight in Hamilton.

This alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued, the release says.

The city says that the wind always makes it feel colder and can increase 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, including the Salvation Army, will implement their policies and procedures with regards to cold weather.

So where can you go if you need to get out of the cold?

City of Hamilton Recreation Centres are available during regular hours for those who need to keep warm and the MacNab Transit Terminal will stay open until HSR service ends.

Check here for more of the city’s Community Warm Places and for a list of shelters.

Members of the public can report the location of a person in need of shelter to the Salvation Army at 905-527-1444 Ext. 0.

The best place for you during a Cold Alert is indoors. If you must be outside, you are urged to:

  • Dress in layers of clothing. Keep inner layers dry. Wet clothing increases the risk of cold injury.
  • Protect you 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
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