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.
Places to stay warm in Windsor and Essex County
Local community centers and libraries are open to the public and can be utilized during extreme weather alerts.
The following services are available for warmth and relief for individuals experiencing homelessness when extreme weather alerts are issued.
Services in Windsor:
- Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4): 400 Wyandotte Street East, (519) 253-3806
- Welcome Centre Shelter for Women & Families: 500 Tuscarora Street, (519) 971-7595
- The Salvation Army: 355 Church Street, (519) 253-7474
- The Downtown Mission of Windsor: 875 Ouellette Avenue, (519) 973-5573
Services in Essex County:
- Leamington Emergency Shelter Program, (226) 787-8805
- Essex County Homelessness Hub (ECH2): 215 Talbot Street East, (519) 326-8629
- Leamington Community Hope Centre: 58 Erie Street South, (519) 326-9280
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.