Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) issues weather notifications and alerts during extreme heat, cold and poor air quality events to help the public and community partners prepare and stay safe.
GEPH’s Medical Officer of Health will issue the following notifications and alerts:
Heat alert: when Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a Yellow‑Level Heat Alert, or higher, applicable to any part of the GEPH service area.
Extended heat alert: when a Yellow-Level Heat Alert, or higher, issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasted to extend into the third day in any part of the GEPH service area.
Cold notification: when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast the temperature to reach -15°C (or -20 ºC with wind chill) in any part of the GEPH service area.
Air quality alert: when Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a Yellow‑Level Air Quality Alert, or higher, applicable to any part of the GEPH service area.
Stay updated:
Weather alerts and notifications will be posted to GEPH social media channels and our website.
To receive timely weather alerts and stay informed about changing weather conditions, download the WeatherCAN app (WeatherCAN – Canada.ca).
Heat-related illnesses:
- Heat cramps: Painful spasms, usually in the legs. Treat with rest, water, and gentle massage.
- Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, fainting. Move to a cool place, hydrate, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
- Heat stroke: Life-threatening. High body temperature (41 °C+), confusion, rapid pulse. Seek immediate medical attention.
Protect yourself in hot weather:
- Drink water frequently, even if not thirsty.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
- Limit outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear light, loose clothing and apply sunscreen.
- Never leave pets or children in vehicles.
Cold weather can lead to serious health risks such as frostnip, frostbite, chilblains, and hypothermia.
Those most at risk include infants, older adults, outdoor workers, athletes, people experiencing homelessness, and people with medical conditions.
Cold-related illnesses:
- Frostnip: Skin turns white due to wind. Treat by rewarming.
- Frostbite: Skin and tissue freezing. Seek medical attention. Do not rub or use hot water.
- Chilblains: Redness, itching, blisters due to prolonged exposure to cold and dampness.
- Hypothermia: Body temperature drops below 35 °C. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. Seek immediate medical help.
Tips to stay safe in cold weather:
- Know the weather conditions and check the wind chill. Find out the safety risk of different wind chill values (Wind chill and the Wind Chill Index – Canada.ca).
- Dress in layers using wool or synthetic materials.
- Stay dry and change wet clothing immediately.
- Keep moving to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Insulate your home and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ontario monitors and reports air quality through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). Events such as smog or wildfire can contribute to poor air quality and increase health risks. The AQHI suggests actions that people can take to reduce the impact.
Current and forecast AQHI levels can be found at Ontario’s Air Quality Ontario website.
AQHI scale and health risks:
- Low (1–3): This is ideal air quality for outdoor activities.
- Moderate (4–6): At-risk groups should reduce strenuous outdoor activities if experiencing symptoms.
- High (7–10): At-risk groups should reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Others should reduce activities if experiencing symptoms such as, coughing or throat irritation.
- Very High (10+): At-risk groups should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Others should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities, especially if symptoms appear.
For information on cooling centres in Brantford-Brant, please visit the City of Brantford website here.
| Call SOAR Emergency Intake Services 1-888-621-0034 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year |
| Salvation Army (single men aged 18+) 187 Dalhousie St., Brantford; 519-753-4193 |
| Rosewood House (single men and women aged 18+) 42 Nelson Street, Brantford; 519-750-1547 |
| Nova Vita (homeless women/children) 59 North Park St., Brantford; 519-752-4357 |
| Cornerstone House (male and female youth aged 18-29) 331 Dalhousie St, Brantford, ON N3S 3V8 (519) 758-9644 |
During alerts, warming and cooling spaces that are made available will be posted to Haldimand County Emergency Services Social Media sites as well as the Haldimand County website.
- Extreme Heat | Norfolk County
- Home for the Night Shelter (individuals aged 18+)
- First Baptist Church, 129 Young St, Simcoe, ON, N3Y 1Y8; 519-428-4047
- Overnight shelter – Mon to Sun 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.
- Winter Weather | Norfolk County
- Follow Norfolk County for updates
- Home for the Night Shelter (individuals aged 18+)
- First Baptist Church, 129 Young St, Simcoe, ON, N3Y 1Y8; 519-428-4047
- Overnight shelter – Mon to Sun 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Heat
- It’s Way Too Hot! Protect Yourself From Extreme Heat (Government of Canada)
- Keep Children Cool! Protect Your Child From Extreme Heat (Government of Canada)
- You’re Active In The Heat. You’re At Risk. Protect Yourself (Government of Canada)
- Community Care During Extreme Heat: Heat Illness (Government of Canada)
- Health Facilities Preparation for Extreme Heat: Recommendations for Retirement and Care Facilities (Government of Canada)
Cold
Air quality
- Brantford — Air Quality Index (Government of Canada)
- Air Quality Health Index Messages – Environment Canada
Sun safety
- Be Sun Safe (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Sun Safety (Government of Canada)