Durham Region Health Department yesterday issued an extreme cold weather alert for Durham Region beginning yesterday morning and continuing over the weekend.
Very cold wind chill values near minus 30 will be developing into Saturday morning, said Environment Canada.
A reprieve from extreme cold conditions is expected to begin late this morning.
Environment Canada said extreme cold puts everyone at risk. “Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes”.
Dress warmly in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant. Cover up as frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside, it advised.
Durham Region outreach staff will actively patrol to refer individuals without shelter or in need of services to community resources. If you see someone in need of emergency shelter, call 9-1-1 or learn about the Region’s Emergency Shelters.
City of Oshawa reminded residents to check on vulnerable friends, neighbours, family and pets.
Housing-Focused Shelter Programs
Shelter programs in Durham can help you if you don’t have any other place to stay.
Shelter programs also act as Community Access Points to our By-Name List and Coordinated Access System.