Here you will find information on preparing for cold weather events, who is at risk during cold periods, and what to watch for with cold-related injuries.
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Being exposed to cold winter temperatures can be harmful to your health. For some people, exposure can be life threatening. It’s important to know the symptoms of cold-related injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite, what steps you can take to be prepared for cold weather, and how to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your community.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) uses a variety of alerts for severe winter weather to keep the public informed about hazardous conditions. These include:
- arctic outflow warnings (Coastal B.C.)
- extreme cold warnings, and
- alerts for snow and freezing rain.
You can find all current weather alerts on the Government of Canada’s
Severe Winter Weather Alerts page, and you can receive all alerts for your area through the
WeatherCAN app.
It is important to know that people can be at risk from cold and winter weather even when ECCC has not issued an alert. This is especially true for people at higher risk of cold-related injuries.
Anyone exposed to cold weather conditions can experience cold-related injuries, but some people are at higher risk for frostbite, hypothermia and other impacts, including:
- people experiencing homelessness
- people who cannot keep their homes warm due to poverty, inadequate insulation, inadequate heat sources, or a combination of these factors
- people who use substances, especially opioids
- people who work outside or engage in outdoor winter activities
- people with limited mobility, disabilities, or any medical condition that restricts blood flow
- older adults
- infants and young children
Being prepared for winter weather is important. Storms can disrupt transportation and cause power outages. Cold snaps can lead to icy road conditions and challenges for maintaining indoor temperatures. It’s best to consider your home and your day-to-day activities and create plans to stay safe when there are disruptions due to winter conditions.
Remember that gas-burning appliances such barbeques, outdoor patio heaters, and generators must not be used indoors because they create dangerous carbon monoxide. Learn more about preparing for cold weather in Prepared B.C.’s
Severe Winter Weather Preparedness Guide.
People are at risk of hypothermia when their core body temperature drops significantly below 37°C. When core body temperature gets too low, organs cannot function properly.
Note that symptoms of hypothermia in infants are often less obvious than in adults
- cold skin
- fumbling hands
- shivering (may not be present in young infants)
- exhaustion
- slurred speech or mumbling
- confusion or memory loss
- slow, shallow breathing
- clumsiness or lack of coordination
- drowsiness or very low energy
- weak pulse
- loss of consciousness
A person who has severe hypothermia could be unconscious. Their pulse may be very low and/or difficult to find, and they may not seem to be breathing. If this is the case, immediately call 911.
Many of the warning signs for severe hypothermia may also be present due to overdose Some people may be experiencing both hypothermia and overdose at the same time.
If someone has symptoms of severe hypothermia after being exposed to cold temperatures, assume they have hypothermia until their core temperature can be checked.
If someone is alert, complaining, cold and shivering, you can call 811 for guidance.
If medical care is not available, begin warming the person as follows:
- Move them to a warmer location.
- Remove any wet clothing.
- Begin warming from the centre of their body first (chest, neck, head and groin). Apply an electric blanket, warm water bottles, heating packs, or a reflective blanket. If there are no available heat sources, body heat combined with loose fitting, dry layers of clothing, blankets, sheets, or towels can be used.
- If the person is conscious and able to drink, warm beverages will help increase their body temperature. However, avoid giving them alcoholic beverages. Do not give liquids to someone who is unconscious.
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck. Ensure that they receive medical attention as soon as possible.
Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissue freezes due to cold exposure. If skin has been exposed to cold temperatures, and there is any redness or pain, move indoors or somewhere out of the cold. If that is not possible, cover and protect exposed skin because frostbite may be setting in.
- Skin has a white or grayish yellow patch
- Skin may feel waxy and firm
- Any numbness in the area. Numbness often keeps people from being ware they have frostbite because the tissue is frozen
If you suspect you or someone else has frostbite, ensure they are seen by a health care provider. Only start warming the frostbite impacted area of skin when you know the person will be able to stay warm for a significant period of time to avoid greater damage.
