Cold Alerts & Community Response

The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton issues a Cold Alert when:

• The temperature drops, or is expected to drop below -15°C (5°F)
• The temperature feels like -20°C (-4°F) with wind chill

Wind chill is important because no matter what the thermometer says, the wind makes it feel colder. The stronger the wind, the colder you will feel and the higher the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

What to do during a Cold Alert

The best place for you during a Cold Alert is indoors.  If you must be outside during a Cold Alert:

• Dress in layers of clothing. Keep inner layers dry. Wet clothing increases the risk of cold injury.
• Protect you face, ears and hands with a scarf, hat, and gloves
• To protect your feet, socks must be dry. Wool is a good material to keep your feet dry.
• Drink warm fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid strenuous exercise

Community Cold Response

A Cold Alert triggers a Community Cold Response, which is put into effect by a number of community agencies as well as the City of Hamilton. When a Cold Alert is called, there is a focus on promoting access to safe and warm shelter to those on the street and for individuals living in vulnerable conditions with limited heat.  During a Cold Alert:

• Residents should check on neighbours who may be at risk to make sure they have heat.
• Select City of Hamilton Recreation centres are open from 12 noon to 7 pm for warmth.
• Recreation staff have shelter information if shelter is needed.
• Community drop-in programs and other support services  are available so people can  access a warm place.
• Salvation Army supports this effort by:
  • Partnering with local organizations who can help people access shelter.
  • Triages calls from the public about people on the street who may need shelter.
  • Monitoring shelter space and availability.

Resident concerns about an individual on the street who may require shelter, should be directed to the Salvation Army at 905-527-1444 ext 0.
Resident questions about the Community Cold Response may be directed to City of Hamilton Customer Service at 905-546-2489.
If you observe someone you feel is in imminent danger, please contact emergency services at 911.

City of Hamilton Warming Centres

Shelters

Community Warm Places

This season select community agencies are offering warm places as drop-in during cold alerts. To protect residents, Covid-19 precautions will be in place for all sites. Community Warm Place hours and days vary, capacity limits apply.

Carol Annes Place - YWCA (Women Only)
75 MacNab Street South, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 3C1
Hours of operation: 10 pm to 8 am
Overnight access for women, open 7 days a week. Limited capacity. First come, first served.
Phone: 905-517-9326 (phones answered between 10 pm and 12 noon)

Living Rock Youth Resources (youth ages 13-25)
30 Wilson Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8R 1C5
Hours of operation: open 7 days a week for various drop in programs, meals, groceries, hygiene products,  shower access.
Offers drop-in programs daily from 1 to 4 pm.
Phone: 905-528-7625 (ROCK)

Mission Services Willow’s Place (Women only)
196 Wentworth Street North, Hamilton, Ontario
Hours of operation: 9 am to 8:30 pm
Phone: 905-528-5100 Ext 1200

The Hub
78 Vine Street, Hamilton, ON (at Vine and Park)
Hours of operation: Daily from 5 pm to 9 pm
Services: food and drinks , hygiene or washroom access but expanded to service referrals, harm reduction supplies, winter gear and many other valuable services.

Cold-related illnesses & health effects from cold weather

Having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, taking some prescription drugs or drinking alcohol will increase your risk of cold temperature related health issues like frostbite and hypothermia.