Cold-related injuries are preventable.
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of a cold-related injury and stay warm this winter.
- Monitor local weather forecasts and warnings regularly – Stay up to date by checking our website or by following the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit on Facebook or Twitter.
- Dress warmly – cover as much exposed skin as possible, dress in layers with a wind- resistant outer layer, a hat, mittens, and scarf.
- Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating to stay dry.
- Keep moving, especially your hands and feet to maintain your body heat.
- Seek shelter when wind chill is significant or limit the time you spend outside.
- Drink warm fluids and avoid alcohol – drinking alcohol before going outside can give you a false sense of warmth.
- Plan ahead by preparing your home for cold weather. Make sure your heating system is working well and seal all cracks and drafts.
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained and equip your car with an emergency kit.
- Check on your neighbours and family.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone may have hypothermia.
Additional Support:
- Call 311 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays) if you notice someone experiencing homelessness in Windsor who is not in immediate risk of frostbite or hypothermia but could use support from an outreach worker, or use the Windsor311 mobile app to submit a request for a homelessness response.
- Call 211 (24/7) or visit 211ontario.ca for information on other community services and programs for people who are experiencing homelessness, living on a low income, living alone, or coping with life changes. Services are available in over 150 languages.