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;

City of Hamilton Recreation facilities are open during regular business hours for warmth;

Recreation staff have shelter information if shelter is needed;

Drop-in programs relax their criteria for participation and may increase hours so people can access a warm place;

The Salvation Army Booth Centre acts as first contact for media and 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.



Media inquiries or resident concerns about an individual on the street, should be directed to the Salvation Army at 905-527-1444 ext 0

Questions about the Community Cold Response may be directed to City of Hamilton Customer Service at 905-546-2489

Heat By-law No. 04-091 Hamilton’s Heat By-law No. 04-091 requires landlords to keep the air temperature of at least 20°C in all liveable spaces between September 1 and May 31. If someone’s rented unit is not being kept at this temperature, they may file a complaint unless the lack of heat is caused from the failure of a tenant to pay for the service which is part of their tenancy agreement. Municipal Law Enforcement

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Phone: 905 546-2782 or after hours 905-546-2489

Shelters

Emergency Shelters for Families Good Shepherd Family Centre

​Housing focused shelter and support for families experiencing homelessness. Interpretation services are available upon request.

143 Wentworth Street South, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 2Z1

Phone: 905-528-5877

Emergency Shelters for Youth Notre Dame House

There are 11 beds available for males and 9 beds available for females. Laundry facilities and meals are provided. Additional services are provided through their resource centre from 9 to 5 pm daily. These include school, employment counselling, addictions counselling, public health nurse.

14 Cannon Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8R 2B2

Phone: 905-308-8090

Community Warm Places

Hamilton offers a number of warm places in the community as drop-in during a cold alert. Use the map to find a location near you. Note: warm place hours and days vary - check the warm place listing for more details.

Community Warm Places listed by day of the week

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.

Frostbite Frostbite happens when skin and other tissues are damaged due to freezing. Frostbite usually occurs on fingers, toes, earlobes, nose or your face. Signs of frostbite or frostnip (the first stage of frostbite) include: White skin that has a “wooden feeling”

Numbness in the affected area such as fingertips If you see these signs, get inside to a warm place. The risk of frostbite relates to temperature and wind on exposed skin. When the temperature is above -28°C, there is a low risk of frostbite.