Hamilton’s medical officer of health issues cold weather alert

The Medical Officer of Health for the city of Hamilton has issued a cold weather alert effective tonight.

An alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below -15 C or -20 C with wind chill.

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

According to Environment Canada, there is a slight chance of flurries and wind gusts up to 15 kilometres per hour for Hamilton this evening. Temperatures could reach a low of -17 C but the wind chill will make it feel like -21 C.

When a cold alert is issued, the city focuses on promoting access to safe and warm shelter to those on the street and for individuals living in vulnerable conditions with limited heat.

Bennetto Recreation Centre will be available as a warming centre overnight from 5 p.m. until noon Friday.

In addition, the following City of Hamilton recreation centres will be available as warming centres from noon to 7 p.m.:

• Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre, 150 Violet Dr., Hamilton
• Huntington Park Recreation Centre, 87 Brentwood Dr., Hamilton
• Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, 192 Wentworth St. N, Hamilton
• Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr., Hamilton

There are community partner agencies offering warm places or extended hours of operation as drop-in sites during cold alerts:

• The Hub 78 Vine St., Hamilton (Extended hours of operation 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.)
• Wesley Day Centre 52 Catherine St. N, Hamilton. Extended Hours of operation during cold alert: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight. Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight

Residents concerned about an individual on the street who may require shelter can call the Salvation Army at 905-527-1444, ext. 0.

The best place to be during a cold alert is indoors but if you must be outside, the city has offered the following tips:

• 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