Extreme cold weather alert issued for Oshawa and Durham Region

Durham Region’s Health Department has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert for Thursday, January 6 until the afternoon of Saturday, January 8.

• Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable friends, neighbours, family and pets to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather and to take precautions.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities or limiting time outdoors during colder temperatures. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin and stay dry. Learn more about protective actionsyou can take to be prepared for the cold.
• Check in: Call vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather and remember to check on pets.
• Shelter services: If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter call 9-1-1 or visit the Region of Durham’s Emergency Shelters webpage. During severe weather conditions, emergency shelters may expand their services and the Homelessness Support System will alert unsheltered residents of extreme cold weather and help them take appropriate precautions. More information on the Cold Weather Response protocol, warming centres and additional supports such as food banks is available on the Warming Calendar
• Household heating: The City’s Adequate Heat By-Lawrequires rented or leased living accommodations to have a minimum air temperature of at least 22 degrees Celsius between September 1 to June 15.

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts are issued by Durham Health when Environment Canada forecasts a temperature of minus 15 degrees Celsius or colder, and/or a wind chill of minus 20 degrees Celsius or colder.