BRANTFORD – The Medical Officer of Health for the Brant County Health Unit has issued a cold alert effective January 30, 2018. Temperatures are expected to drop below -15 C, without wind chill.
Everyone is at risk during very cold weather. In temperatures of -15 C 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, the homeless, people working or exercising outdoors, and people living in homes that poorly insulated or lack sufficient heating.
The Brant County Health Unit and the City of Brantford are working together with various community agencies to ensure that emergency accommodation is available during the extreme cold. Everyone is encouraged to seek shelter.
