Cold weather is a serious public health concern and can cause a variety of health problems, including windburn, frostbite and hypothermia.
Be Prepared During Cold Temperatures:
- Dress warmly in layers, cover up all exposed skin and wear a wind resistant outer layer
- Wear waterproof, insulated footwear
- Stay dry and change out of wet clothing as quickly as possible
- Keep moving (especially your hands and feet) to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat
- Drink warm fluids avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly
- Watch for signs of windburn, frostbite and hypothermia
- Seek medical attention if necessary
- Build an emergency kit, go online and create your own Emergency Plan
Be on the lookout for Extreme Cold Weather Warnings by following:
Seniors, children, outdoor workers, those experiencing homelessness and people living in poorly insulated or heated homes are particularly at risk during extreme cold weather.
Residents requiring assistance, emergency shelter or amenities are reminded to call 211. 211 is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. An online 211 resource is also available.
Warming Stations
If you are caught outside in extreme cold conditions, look for shelter out of the wind and keep moving to maintain your body heat.
Warming stations are facilities open during regular business hours to provide short-term warmth and protection during cold weather events.
City Hall
808 2nd Avenue East
519-376-1440
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library
519-376-6623
Monday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Extreme Cold Events
Because City facilities are closed until further notice due to COVID-19 restrictions, Safe ‘n Sound will extend their hours to midnight when below average freezing temperatures are expected and Extreme Cold alerts are issued. Alerts are issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 30oC for at least 2 hours.
Staffing levels at warming stations may be impacted because of the increase in COVID-19 cases throughout Grey and Bruce Counties. A Media Advisory will be issued prior to extreme cold events advising of availability.
Extreme Cold and Pets
Extreme cold temperatures pose dangers for your pets too! Protect your pets during cold temperatures by limiting their time outdoors, using a coat when walking and wiping their paws to remove any salt or other chemicals.
- Keeping toxic chemicals like anti-freeze or windshield-wiper fluid out of a pet’s reach, as it can be lethal
- Protecting pets from salt used to de-ice roads, because it can irritate paws and be harmful if ingested. Wipe off their feet and stomach when you get home to ensure any salt or other chemicals are removed
- Never let them walk on frozen bodies of water, as falling through thin or cracked ice can pose life-threatening risks to humans and animals such as hypothermia or drowning
- When walking your dog, consider giving them a winter coat to help retain body heat, particularly for small dogs, elderly dogs, puppies and short-haired dogs, as they are more vulnerable to cold temperatures
- Don’t leave your cat or dog alone in a cold car, because this could lead to hypothermia and potential death
- Feed your pet a bit more during winter months, as it takes extra energy to stay warm
COVID-19
Warming centres provide short-term warmth and protection, however, they can result in the congregation of people who are at higher risk, such as older adults or those with respiratory illness, and potentially contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
Users of warming centres must maintain proper physical distancing at all times and use the hand sanitizer provided.
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