First cold warning of the year issued for Burlington, Oakville, Milton

The first cold warning of the year has been issued by Halton Region, affecting residents in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills.

The warning is issued when temperatures are expected to fall below –15°C (without wind-chill), or when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure.

The Region warns that anyone can be affected by extreme cold-related weather conditions, depending on how long one is exposed to cold conditions and exertion levels.

Those especially at risk include adults over the age of 65, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people who exercise outdoors (hikers, skiers) and people who have limited resources to house or protect themselves.

During extreme cold, people are asked to check in, by phone or video, with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors who live on their own.

Here are some things Halton Region suggests you can do to protect yourself:

• Cover exposed skin using multiple layers of loose-fitting clothes with a windresistant outer layer, a hat, mittens, and scarf
• Always be on the lookout for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Prepare emergency kits for your home and car
• Plan ahead and check the weather forecast

This cold warning will remain in effect until the low temperature for the day is projected to be above –15°C.

For more information on cold warnings and what you can do to protect your health, visit the Region’s cold warnings webpage.