Extreme Cold

Cold weather is common during winter in Waterloo Region. Exposure to cold temperatures can be hazardous to health, leading to cold-related injuries and potentially death.

Cold weather is often expressed as a measure of wind chill. The wind chill index combines both temperature and wind speed to reflect how cold it feels. The faster the wind, the lower the temperature feels.

Waterloo Region will likely see less extreme cold days over time due to climate change, but there may be more freezing rain and flash freeze events. This can lead to more slips and falls.

It is important to protect yourself and others from extreme cold and other cold weather-related events. Warming Spaces are available throughout Waterloo Region for relief from extreme temperatures. 

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Cold-related injuries

Cold-related injuries can occur if you are exposed to cold temperatures, especially if you are not protected from the cold for a long period of time. Examples of cold-related injuries include frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite

Frostbite is the condition when skin freezes. In cold temperatures, your skin can freeze quickly if it is not properly covered or protected. Frostbite generally happens in:

  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Nose
  • Ears

Mild frostbite, frostnip, makes your skin look yellowish or white but is still soft to the touch. Normal colour returns once the area is warmed.

Severe frostbite must be treated immediately, as it can permanently damage tissue.

If you or anyone around you has mild frostbite (frostnip):

  • Move to a warm room, wrap the individual with blankets, or use skin-to-skin contact with another person to reheat the body.
  • Add heat directly to the frostbitten area. You want to thaw the injured skin without burning yourself.
    • It is painful to thaw frostbitten skin. Place the injured skin in water that is just above body temperature.
    • Do not rub, massage, or shake the injured skin. This can cause more damage.
  • Visit a Warming Space for relief from cold weather. These are heated spaces and welcome anyone inside during regular business hours.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that can lead to death. Call 911 immediately if you, or someone around you, shows signs of hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia when someone is exposed to cold temperatures are low body temperature (less than 35° C), person is unconscious, shivering, confused, drowsy, or unsteady.

 If you or anyone around you might have hypothermia:

  • Move to a warm place
  • Remove any wet clothing
  • Use warm blankets, towels, wrapped hot water bottles or heating pads, or skin-to-skin contact
  • Drink warm drinks, if awake

Who is at more risk for cold-related injuries?

Anyone can be affected by extreme cold-related weather conditions. Risks are higher for:

  • Older adults (over the age of 65)
  • Infants and young children
  • Outdoor workers
  • People planning outdoor sports or activities
  • People with chronic illness
  • People experiencing homelessness and without shelter, warm clothing or food

Protect yourself and others from the cold

  • Know the weather forecast before going outside
  • Plan ahead and modify your plans based on the weather
  • Dress warmly (for example, dressing in layers, wearing hats, mitts, scarf, etc.). Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation
  • Seek shelter out of the wind and cold
  • If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as you can
  • Keep moving (especially your hands and feet) to generate body heat
  • Prepare living space for cold winter temperatures by doing regular maintenance. Make sure your heating system is working efficiently and seal all cracks and drafts to keep the heat in
  • Visit a Warming Space. These are heated spaces and welcome anyone inside during regular business hours

Preparing for emergencies in cold weather

Emergencies can happen at any time. Be prepared for winter with an emergency kit - it could save your life. Remember to plan ahead and listen to the weather forecast.

Find out what to include in an:

Visit Alert Waterloo Region for more information on emergency preparedness.

Sign up for Cold Warning Alerts

Environment and Climate Change Canada issues cold warning alerts when the temperature or wind chill is forecasted to reach minus 30° C for at least two hours.

You can get heat warning alerts in the following ways:

Additional Resources

Resources from Health Canada

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