Extreme Cold
When is a cold weather alert issued?
Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) issues extreme cold warnings when Environment Canada forecasts the temperature, with or without windchill, to reach -30˚C for at least two hours. Weather alerts are posted to our social media channels.
Warming centres and shelters
Elgin County
Aylmer |
East Elgin Community Complex
531 Talbot St W, Aylmer ON Phone: 519-773-5631 Family Central
62 Talbot St East, Aylmer, ON
Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 1:00pm
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Malahide |
Malahide Community Place |
St. Thomas |
St. Thomas Seniors Centre The INN (formerly Inn Out of the Cold) Drop-in Centre |
West Elgin |
West Elgin Community Health Centre |
Oxford County
Woodstock and Area |
The Inn The Inn (formerly Inn Out of the Cold) offers shelter to homeless adults during the winter months. The Salvation Army in Woodstock
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For more information on emergency shelters, call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ontario.ca.
Staying warm in cold weather
During a cold weather alert, residents should take precautions to protect themselves from the cold to avoid complications such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Dress in layers |
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Protect your skin |
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Drink fluids |
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Avoid alcohol |
Alcohol changes the way blood flows around your body. It makes the body lose heat faster and gives a false sensation of being warm. Only one or two drinks can reverse the body's defense against hypothermia. |
Get rest |
Cold weather may tire a person more quickly. Take occasional rest breaks. If you get overtired you are more likely to get frostbite or have an accident. |
Who is most vulnerable to cold weather?
Those who are most vulnerable to the effects of the cold weather included: older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, individuals who like outdoor sports such as skiing and hiking, and homeless persons and others who do not have shelter, proper clothing or food.
Frost Bite
Signs and symptoms of frostbite |
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Treatment of frostbite |
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Hypothermia
What is hypothermia? |
Hypothermia is a condition that occurs from overexposure to cold. A person’s body temperature falls below normal. Normal body temperature ranges from 36.1 to 37.8°C (97 to 100°F). Oxygen to the brain is less when body temperature drops. |
Signs and symptoms of hypothermia |
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Treatment of hypothermia |
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What happens when severe cases of hypothermia occur? |
In severe hypothermia (body temperature below 30°C or 86°F) the person becomes unconscious, breathing is shallow and pulse is irregular or hard to detect. If someone is found with these symptoms, call for immediate emergency medical treatment. |
Who is at risk for getting hypothermia? |
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How can I prevent hypothermia? |
The best way to prevent hypothermia is not to stay in an unheated home, but to move to a warm place. People who remain in unheated homes should make sure that their head, hands and feet are well covered and dry. Physical activity releases heat through the body so keep moving! Wear clothes in layers, drink warm fluids (not alcohol) and wear a hat and mittens. Also be sure a scarf or neck wrap covers the chin, lips and cheeks. |
Learn more
Get more more information on Public Weather Warnings and Windchill Index.