Cold Weather Alert - January 31, 2023

The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton is issuing a Cold Weather Alert effective overnight. A Cold Weather Alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below minus -15°C or -20° with wind chill.

This alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Wind always makes it feel colder and increases 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 will implement their policies and procedures with regards to cold weather.

During a Cold Alert, select City of Hamilton Recreation Centres and Hamilton Public Library locations are available as community warming centres for those who need to keep warm during regular business hours.

Ongoing programs and resources in the community including emergency shelters, and drop-in locations are available for vulnerable houseless community members who need to keep warm. Drop-in programs include:

• The Hub  (78 Vine Street) - drop-in 5 pm to 9 pm (year-round) and overnight drop-in hours 10 pm to 10 am (until March 31, 2023) daily.
• Hamilton Regional Indian Centre (407 King Street W) - Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 6:30 pm.
• YWCA Carol Anne’s Place (75 MacNab Street) - overnight drop in 10 pm to 9 am daily for women and non-binary individuals.
• Mission Services Willow’s Place (196 Wentworth Street N) - drop-in from 9 am to 8:30 pm daily for women.
• Wesley Day Centre (52 Catharine Street N) - Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm.
• Living Rock Youth Resources (30 Wilson Street) - daily drop-in 1 pm to 4 pm for youth.

Learn more about the Community Cold Response and access a complete list of ongoing community resources serving people experiencing homelessness including emergency shelters, and drop-in locations by visiting www.hamilton.ca/cold.

If you observe someone you feel is in imminent danger, please contact emergency services by calling 9-1-1.

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

• 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.