Cold Weather Tips
January 20, 2025
The South East Health Unit, formerly Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit, would like to advise everyone to take appropriate precautions over the next few days as temperatures are expected to be very cold.
Cold weather can cause very serious health conditions and even death. Unprotected skin can freeze in as little as 10–30 minutes, and the risk of developing hypothermia is high. During cold weather, everyone is at risk; however people experiencing homelessness, the elderly, infants and children, people taking certain prescription medications, people with certain pre-existing health conditions, outdoor workers, winter activity enthusiasts, and people living in homes that are poorly insulated (without heat or power) are in greater danger. During these cold temperatures, the Health Unit strongly encourages the public to check on family members, neighbours, or friends who may be isolated, disabled, living alone, or without sufficient shelter. Here are some cold weather tips precautions:
- Wear layers of warm dry clothing including a hat and mitts, to block the wind.
- Drink warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.
- Cover exposed skin surfaces when outdoors.
- Maintain a heated environment of around 20°C/68°F.
- Be aware of how your medications or health conditions may increase your risk.
- Be aware of the early signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Be aware of the dangers of using an oven or space heater as a heating device.
- Keep a winter driving survival kit in your vehicle and be sure to check the weather and road conditions before you travel.
- See our Emergency Safety Fact Sheets for important information, including Keeping Warm in an Unheated House during an Emergency.
- Be aware of cold weather injuries: prevention, signs and symptoms, and first aid.
- Location information for local warming centres or shelters in your community can be found at Cooling/Warming Centres in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.
For more information on how to protect yourself during the winter cold weather please see the Health Canada Wind Chill Index webpage, our Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures webpage and our Cold Weather Injuries factsheet.
Connect with us on Facebook and follow @LGLHealthUnit on Twitter for important public health updates. You can also call 1-800-660-5853 with any questions.