Public health officials in Brantford have issued a cold weather notification as temperatures in the region are expected to fall to -15 C or lower, with wind chill values potentially reaching -20 C.
The advisory, issued Saturday by the Medical Officer of Health for Grand Erie Public Health, will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Cold weather notifications are typically issued when Environment Canada forecasts prolonged periods of extremely cold temperatures that pose risks to health and safety.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions as exposure to such cold can cause frostbite in under 30 minutes and significantly increases the risk of hypothermia.
While all individuals are susceptible to cold-related illness, certain groups face higher risk.
These include older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic conditions such as respiratory or cardiac illness, those taking certain prescription medications, individuals without adequate housing, and people working or exercising outdoors.
Residents are advised to wear several layers of clothing, with an outer layer that is resistant to wind and moisture.
Covering exposed skin is recommended, and people are encouraged to stay dry and to drink warm, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to maintain hydration.
Public health officials also suggest checking regularly on elderly or vulnerable individuals to ensure their well-being during periods of extreme cold.
Emergency shelter services remain available through SOAR Community Services, which operates a 24-hour intake line at 1-888-621-0034 and accepts referrals by email at housing@soarcs.com.
Walk-in shelter access is available at 73 Murray Street daily between 8 a.m. and midnight, and at 331 Dalhousie Street from midnight to 8 a.m.
Additional warming spaces have been made available through partner agencies. Rosewood House, located at 42 Nelson Street, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Salvation Army Booth Centre on Dalhousie Street is able to accommodate up to five men during cold weather alerts.
SOAR Community Services also offers warming space, depending on capacity, from 8 a.m. to midnight at its Murray Street location.
The Blessing Centre at 7 Burnley Avenue is open seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and provides access to food and referrals to homelessness support services.
The cold weather notification will remain in place until it is lifted by the Medical Officer of Health.
Residents can find further information and cold-weather safety advice at Brantford.ca/ExtremeCold or Brantford.ca/EmergencyShelters.
