Based on information from Environment Canada, the City of Markham has issued an extreme cold warning for Wednesday, January 30 in the morning, as wind chill values are expected to fall to near minus 32 degrees for Markham and the surrounding areas. The extreme cold warning is expected to remain in effect until the morning of Friday February 1.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an increased risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter and clothing.
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During an extreme cold warning:
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Call or visit vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated seniors and ensure they have proper supplies to stay warm and dry.
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Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases blood flow, making you feel warm even though you are losing body heat.
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Winter driving has its own challenges. An emergency car kit can help. Important items to include are a cell phone charger, flashlight, blankets and sand bags, snacks, shovel, booster cables, and towing company numbers.
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Track the progress of road and sidewalk plows in Markham by visiting our website.
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Appropriate clothing:
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Cover exposed skin as frostbite can develop within minutes, especially with increased wind chill.
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Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer.
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Wear warm socks, mittens, a hat and scarf and be sure to cover your nose.
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If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.
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If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets:
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When the temperature drops below freezing, pets should not be left outside for extended periods of time. Cats, short-haired dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable in extreme cold temperatures.
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Never leave your cat or dog alone in a car during extreme cold weather. Cars hold in the cold, acting like refrigerators, which could cause serious harm.
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Seek shelter or local warming centre:
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Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Consider rescheduling or limiting time outdoors, especially if it is windy.
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Under the Community Investment Strategy (CIS), York Region provides funding to Inn From the Cold Emergency Winter Shelter, and Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold Program.
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During the coldest months of the year, both of these programs provide emergency overnight shelter, clothing and meals to adults 18 years of age and over.
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For more information about Inn From The Cold, visit innfromthecold.ca or call 904.895.8889.
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For more information about the Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold Program, call 416.948.6682 or toll free 1.877.338.3398.
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York Region also funds the York Region Street Outreach Van, operated by Loft/Crosslinks. The van is a mobile service that travels throughout York Region, providing assistance to homeless and at-risk individuals. The van staff provides sleeping bags, warm clothes and referrals to shelter programs. The van operates seven days a week from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To schedule a meeting place and time with the Street Outreach Van, individuals can call 1.866.553.4053.
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Warming Centres Available at Markham Community Centres & Libraries:
• Aaniin Community Centre & Library, 5665 14th Ave
• Angus Glen Community Centre & Library, 3990 Major Mackenzie Drive East
• Armadale Community Centre, 2401 Denison Street
• Cornell Community Centre & Library, 3201 Bur Oak Avenue
• Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, 7600 Kennedy Road
• Thornhill Community Centre & Library, 7755 Bayview Avenue
• Centennial Community Centre, 8600 McCowan Road
• Markham Village Library, 6031 Hwy 7
• Unionville Library, 15 Library Lane
For a complete list of facilities and hours of operation, visit markham.ca.
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit markham.ca/AreYouPrepared
(Source: City of Markham)
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