Cold Weather Alert February 16 2021

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Health Advisory: Cold Alert Issued February 16, 2021

BCHU urges all residents to take precautions during extreme cold

BRANTFORD, ON – The Medical Officer of Health for the Brant County Health Unit has issued a cold alert. Temperatures are expected to drop below -15°C, without wind chill.

Everyone is at risk during very cold weather. In temperatures of -15°C or colder, unprotected skin can freeze in less than 30 minutes and the risk of developing hypothermia is high. Some groups are particularly vulnerable to the frigid temperatures, including, older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions, people taking certain prescription medication, the homeless, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that poorly insulated or lack sufficient heating.

To prevent cold injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite, the Brant County Health Unit recommends the following:

  • Wear several layers of clothing and make sure the outer layer protects you from both wind and wetness.
  • Cover exposed skin (using hats, mittens, or face masks) to protect against frostbite.
  • Drink warm, caffeine- and alcohol-free fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Check on elderly and vulnerable people frequently, to ensure they are safe and warm.
  • Visit www.bchu.org to learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

The alert remains in effect until cancelled by the Medical Officer of Health.

Emergency Shelter

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate need of emergency shelter, please call the Housing Resource Centre at 519-802-4332 from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, please contact the Salvation Army at 519-753-4193. Everyone is encouraged to seek shelter. Learn more at www.brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.

  • Salvation Army, 187 Dalhousie Street: Adult men
  • Rosewood House, 42 Nelson Street: Adult men and adult women
  • Nova Vita, 59 North Park Street: Women and children fleeing family violence or abuse
  • St. Leonard’s Youth Resource Centre: Youth aged 15 to 19

Food and Clothing Supports

The Brantford-Brant Food Calendar provides locations, dates, and times of various local meal and food bank programs. Visit www.brantford.ca/FoodbankCalendar to learn more.

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