Toronto's Emergency Services (EMS) suggests a few ways on keeping warm and to avoid getting Hypothermia and frostbite in the cold weather:

Toronto - Toronto’s Emergency Services (EMS) suggests a few ways on keeping warm and to avoid getting Hypothermia and frostbite in the cold weather:

Layer clothing
Build breathable (cotton, wool) clothing layers to include thermal underwear, undershirt, track suits, sweaters, snowsuits, winter boots, hats, mittens and scarves.

Cover exposed skin
Exposed skin can become frostbitten in as little as 30 seconds, always cover exposed skin especially when the wind is a factor.

Keep moving
Try to limit the time sitting. Stand up and move around to allow circulation to reach better reach all body parts.

Blankets and portable seat/cushion
Sitting on cold pavement or concrete can increase the risk of hypothermia. Sitting on a blanket or portable seat will limit the risk.

Drink fluids
Dehydration can occur even when the temperature is below freezing. Hot chocolate is a great way to remain well hydrated.

Avoid alcoholic beverages
Alcohol diminishes the body’s ability to feel the cold and can cause an increased exposure time.

Signs of hypothermia
Confusion, lethargy, weakness, apathy, pale skin colour.

Signs of frostbite
Pale grey, waxy textured skin in affected area cold to the touch, numbness and localized pain, swelling and blistering.

An extreme weather alert goes into effect when Environment Canada:

  • Predicts a temperature of -15 degrees Celsius or lower, without wind chill;
  • Issues a wind chill warning for outdoor activity for people in the Toronto area;
  • Predicts extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm.

Weather experts advise you not take your pets on long walks. Dogs and cats can get frostbite in less than 8 minutes.