A Cold Alert has been issued for January 31, 2025
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The Medical Officer of Health for Grand Erie Public Health (formerly the Brant County Health Unit) has issued a cold alert for the County of Brant. 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, the homeless, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that poorly insulated or lack sufficient heating.
To prevent cold injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite, Grand Erie Public Health 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 Grand Erie Public Health website to learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
The Grand Erie Public Health and the City of Brantford (which provides social services to County of Brant residents) work together with various community agencies to ensure that emergency accommodation is available during the extreme cold. Everyone is encouraged to seek shelter, visit the Grand Erie Public Health website for more information on emergency shelters.
Visit Warming Centres page on our website for places to keep warm in Brant, and for information on food banks and pantries visit the Community and Social Resources page on our website.
This alert remains in effect until cancelled by the Medical Officer of Health.
For additional resources, please visit the the Grand Erie Public Health website.