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

Community Cold Response

A Cold Alert triggers a Community Cold Response, which is put into effect by a number of community agencies as well as the City of Hamilton.

This response is broken into 2 different parts:

Outreach Response Focus on access to safe and warm shelter to those on the street.

The Salvation Army acts as first contact for this effort and helps by: Partnering with local organizations who can help people access shelter

Triages calls from the public about people on the street who may need shelter

Arrange and visit people on the street and offer them shelter and support

Monitoring shelter space and availability ​If anyone is concerned about an individual on the street, the Salvation Army can be contacted at 905-527-1444 ext. 0.

Community Response Focus on people living in poor conditions with limited heat. Drop-in programs relax their criteria for participation and may increase hours so people can access a warm place.

City of Hamilton Recreation facilities are open during regular business hours for warmth.

Recreation staff have shelter information if shelter at is needed.

All organizations that serve vulnerable individuals should make contact to make sure they are safe.

Check on neighbours who may be at risk to to make sure they have heat Questions about the Community Cold Response may be directed to 905-546-2424 ext. 8035.

Community resources City of Hamilton - Municipal Law Enforcement 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 1st to May 31st. 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.



Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Phone: 905 546-2782 or after hours 905-546-2489 City of Hamilton - Dental Health Bus They distribute seasonal supplies such as: socks

hats

gloves

thermal mugs

toiletries. They also offer needle exchange and condoms for clients upon request. Hours of operation: The Dental Health Bus has a regular schedule. Good Shepherd Centre Staying Home Program The Staying Home Program provides eviction prevention supports and services to individual adult women, couples and families who are at imminent risk of homelessness. Eligible women, couples and families will be connected with a Community Housing Worker and a Landlord Tenant Navigator. A wide variety of community based supports are available including, but not limited to: Advocacy aimed at promoting housing stability

Support during the eviction process

Help in resolving landlord/tenant issues including maintenance issues

Shelter diversion

Ongoing support Phone: 289-919-0396

Shelters

Community Warm Places

Hamilton offers a number of warm places in the community as drop-in during a cold alert. Use the map to find a location near you. Note: warm place hours and days vary - check the warm place listing for more details.

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.