Environmental Health & Hazards
Cold Alerts & Community Response
Winter Response Strategy
Responding to the needs of the unhoused community in Hamilton by providing an increased level of resources.
The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton issues a Cold Alert when:
- The temperature drops, or is expected to drop below -15°C (5°F)
- The temperature feels like -20°C (-4°F) with wind chill
Wind chill is important because no matter what the thermometer says, the wind makes it feel colder. The stronger the wind, the colder you will feel and the higher the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
What to do during a Cold Alert
The best place for you during a Cold Alert is indoors. If you must be outside during a Cold Alert:
- Dress in layers of clothing. Keep inner layers dry. Wet clothing increases the risk of cold injury.
- Protect you 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
When a Cold Alert is called, there is a focus on promoting access to safe and warm places to those on the street and for individuals living in vulnerable conditions with limited heat.
During a Cold Alert:
- Residents should check on neighbours who may be at risk to make sure they have heat.
- Select City of Hamilton Recreation centres and Hamilton Public Library branches are available as Warm Places. Please check the Warm Places tab for details. Staff have emergency shelter information if shelter is needed. Community drop-in programs and other support services are available so people can access a warm place.
- Community agencies support this effort by:
- Partnering with local organizations who can help people access shelter.
- Receiving and redirecting calls from the public about people on the street who may need shelter.
- Monitoring shelter space and availability
If you are in need of supports or are a resident who has concerns about an individual who may require supports or shelter, please refer to the Ongoing Community Resources tab above for area shelters, drop-ins and other services.
Resident questions about the Community Cold Response may be directed to City of Hamilton Customer Service at 905-546-2489.
If you observe someone you feel is in imminent danger, please contact emergency services at 911.
Did you know?
Hamilton’s Heat By-law No. 04-091 requires landlords to keep the air temperature of at least 20°C in all liveable spaces between September 1 and May 31.
If someone’s rented unit is not being kept at this temperature, they may file a complaint unless the lack of heat is caused from the failure of a tenant to pay for the service which is part of their tenancy agreement.
Municipal Law Enforcement
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 905 546-2782 or after hours 905-546-2489
For information on resources and services available as part of the City’s Winter Response Strategy, visit www.hamilton.ca/WinterResponse. This page includes resources that will be available specifically during the winter season, from December 1 to March 31.
Cold-related illnesses & health effects from cold weather
Having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, taking some prescription drugs or drinking alcohol will increase your risk of cold temperature related health issues like frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite
Frostbite happens when skin and other tissues are damaged due to freezing. Frostbite usually occurs on fingers, toes, earlobes, nose or your face.
Signs of frostbite or frostnip (the first stage of frostbite) include:
- White skin that has a “wooden feeling”
- Numbness in the affected area such as fingertips
If you see these signs, get inside to a warm place.
The risk of frostbite relates to temperature and wind on exposed skin. When the temperature is above -28°C, there is a low risk of frostbite.
Hypothermia is where your body’s core temperature drops below what is needed for normal body function. Normal body core temperature is around 37°C.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia affects muscle function and the ability to think clearly. Symptoms include stumbling, mumbling, fumbling and grumbling.
Factors that can contribute to hypothermia include:
- Cold temperatures
- Clothes that do not fit properly
- Damp or wet clothing
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Insufficient food intake
- Alcohol intake
- Some medications
Most people can safely tolerate mild hypothermia, where the body temperature drops to 32° to 35°C. There is a 21% chance of death if you have moderate hypothermia, where the core body temperature is 29° to 32°C. A body core temperature of 28°C or less is severe hypothermia and death occurs within a short period.
It is possible to get hypothermia at temperatures warmer than -15°C. Hypothermia at higher temperatures is usually related to sports or accidents such as getting lost while hiking where there is not enough food or adequate overnight clothing.
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