TORONTO AND HAMILTON ISSUE EXTREME COLD WEATHER ALERTS

Posted on 01/04/2016 | About Hamilton, Ontario

The cities of Toronto and Hamilton have issued cold weather alerts, triggering increased services for the homeless in some areas. The cities issue cold weather alerts when Environment Canada forecasts temperatures below -15 C, or a wind chill of -20.

In Toronto, the alert prompts extra care for people experiencing homelessness, and service providers focus their attention on getting people into shelter or street respite. The city also opens 11 additional shelter spaces during the alerts. Public health officials in both cities note that cold weather has the greatest effect on the homeless, the elderly, young children and infants.

They recommend staying indoors, drinking warm fluids and avoiding alcohol, which can trick the body into thinking it's warmer than it is.