A cold alert has been issued for Brantford and Brant County effective Saturday.
An alert is issued when temperatures are expected to drop below -15C, without wind chill. It stays in effect until cancelled.
“Everyone is at risk during very cold weather,” the city said in a news release Friday.
” In temperatures of -15C 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, those experiencing homelessness, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that are poorly insulated or lack sufficient heating.
To prevent cold injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite, the Brant County Health Unit recommends:
• Wearing several layers of clothing and making sure the outer layer protects against wind and wetness;
• Covering exposed skin (using hats, mittens, or face masks) to protect against frostbite;
• And drinking warm, caffeine and alcohol-free fluids to prevent dehydration.
The health unit also recommends checking on elderly and vulnerable people frequently, to ensure they are safe.
If in need of emergency shelter, call the Salvation Army Housing Resource Center at 519-802-4332. After hours, call 519-753-4193.
Visit www.bchu.org for more information about frostbite and hypothermia.
Visit www.Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold for more tips for preventing cold-related illnesses.
And for more information about shelters, visit www.brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.