The Niagara Region has issued an extreme cold weather alert that will go into effect at 5pm today, as temperatures drop to minus 15 degrees.
Cold-related injuries can be avoided by following these cold weather safety tips:
- Cover exposed skin (exposed skin can become frostbitten in 30 seconds)
- Wear a hat (up to 40 per cent of body heat loss can occur through the head)
- Wear gloves or mittens, and a scarf to protect the chin, lips, and cheeks
- Canadian Paediatric Society recommends keeping children indoors if the temperature falls below –25 Celsius, or if the wind chill is –28 Celsius or greater
- Drink warm fluids – but not caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly
- Wear clothes in layers to include an inner layer, middle layer, and outer layer
- Keep moving. Limit time sitting – stand up and move around.
- Take shelter from the wind – this can reduce wind chill exposure
- Use caution when shovelling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shovelling strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
- Always be alert for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Start Me Up Niagara offers hot meals and overnight shelters through their Out of the Cold program. To see their schedule, click here.
Project Share in Niagara Falls offers their overnight emergency warming shelter at St. Andrew's United Church.
As a reminder, please check in on neighbours who may be at risk during extreme cold weather.