Cold Alert
Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services does not issue cold advisories. See weather alerts for Canada 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
