Cold weather alert issued for Hamilton with temperatures expected to drop

Hamilton’s medical officer of health has issued a cold weather alert for the city as temperatures are expected to drop on Friday.

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

Temperatures are expected to drop in Hamilton to -16 C Friday evening.

The city is reminding residents that exposure to cold weather can be harmful to their health.

“Wind always makes it feel colder and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia,” states the alert on the city of Hamilton’s website. “During extreme cold weather conditions, please call, visit, or check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.”

The city has offered the following tips for anyone who must be outside during cold weather:

• 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.

City officials say community agencies that work with people that are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness have been notified.

During a cold alert, some city-run recreation centres will be available as community warming centres for those who need to keep warm, in addition to Hamilton Public Library locations.

The following recreation centres will be available as warming centres from noon to 7 p.m. during the cold alert:

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

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

The Hub at 78 Vine St. in Hamilton
Regular hours of operation: Daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cold Alert Extended hours of operation: 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Wesley Day Centre at 52 Catherine St. North in Hamilton
Regular hours of operation:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
Cold Alert extended hours of operation: Daily 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.