City urges caution as BCHU issues cold alert December 21, 2024

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BRANTFORD, ON – The Medical Officer of Health for the Brant County Health Unit has issued a cold alert, effective Saturday, December 21, 2024. A cold alert is issued when 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, those experiencing homelessness, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that are 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 Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold to learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Emergency Shelter

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate need of emergency shelter, please call SOAR Emergency Intake Services at 1-888-621-0034 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Some contracted service providers within the Homelessness Coordinated Access system have also been able to expand capacity and provide spaces for people to warm up during the winter:

  • Rosewood House until 10pm for men and women (42 Nelson St),
  • Salvation Army Booth Centre for up to 5 men at a time during cold alerts only (187 Dalhousie St), and SOAR Community Services (73 Murray St) have public spaces and can provide a temporary space for people looking to warm up based on their capacity from 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

Everyone is encouraged to seek shelter. Learn more at www.brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.

This alert remains in effect until cancelled by the Medical Officer of Health. Visit www.Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold to learn more and for tips for preventing cold-related illnesses.