Environment Canada has issued yellow level cold warnings for Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford and Niagara Region, telling people to brace for “bitterly cold conditions beginning this evening.”

The federal weather agency says these cold conditions will continue into Saturday morning, with wind chills near –30 to –33.

According to Environment Canada, “extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” and people should watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

“Cover up, frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill,” warns the weather agency. “Check on older family, friends and neighbours. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”

The agency says outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.

In anticipation of the drop in temperature, the medical officer of health for the City of Hamilton issued a cold weather alert, which became effective Thursday night.

The medical officer of health is reminding people that exposure to cold weather can be harmful to their health. 

“Wind always makes it feel colder and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia,” reads the alert issued Thursday afternoon.

“During extreme cold weather conditions, please call, visit, or check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.”

Warming spaces available

The City of Hamilton has notified community agencies who work with people who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness, according to the alert. 

It says City of Hamilton Recreation Centres and Hamilton Public Library branches are available as warming spaces during regular business hours.

The best place for you during a cold weather alert is indoors, and the medical officer of health says if you must be outside you should:

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

• Protect your 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.

Cold alert for Brantford

Along with the medical officer of health for Hamilton, Grand Erie Public Health has also issued a cold alert, warning that everyone in the Brantford area 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,” says a news release from the City of Brantford. 

The city says that 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, homeless people, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that are poorly insulated or lack sufficient heating.

Emergency shelters

For Brantford residents in immediate need of emergency shelter, they can contact SOAR Community Services Emergency Shelter Intake Services at 1-888-621-0034.

In-person, walk-in services can be accessed:

• Daily 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) at 73 Murray Street, Brantford.

• Daily 12 a.m. (midnight) to 8 a.m. at 331 Dalhousie Street, Brantford.

The city says some contracted service providers have also been able to expand drop-in capacity and provide spaces for people to warm up during the winter. They include:

• Rosewood House, 42 Nelson St., 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

• Salvation Army Booth Centre, 187 Dalhousie St.

• SOAR Community Services, 73 Murray St., 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

• Blessing Centre, 7 Burnley Ave., 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A cold weather alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below –15 degrees C or –20 with wind chill.

These cold weather alerts will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.