Winter weather doesn’t have to keep you indoors. Before heading outside, check weather conditions, dress warmly and plan activities based on the weather.
The tips and guidelines below can help you stay safe and reduce the health effects of cold weather at home and outdoors throughout the winter season.
Stay Warm at Home
Prepare Your Home for Winter
- Seal drafts around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Insulate exposed pipes and know where your water shut-off valve is located.
- Visit Toronto Water’s frozen pipe prevention webpage for additional tips and resources.
- Never use fuel-burning generators, BBQs or camping stoves indoors or in enclosed spaces because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Maintain Indoor Heating
- Keep your home at a comfortable temperature during cold weather.
- For renters, the City of Toronto’s heating bylaw requires landlords to maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 21 degrees Celsius between October 1 and May 15.
- Ensure your heating system is working properly and undergoes regular seasonal maintenance.
- Use blankets, heating pads or warm (not hot) baths to gradually warm up after cold exposure.
- Drink warm fluids and eat nourishing foods to help maintain body heat.
Check In On Others
Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at greater risk during cold weather, particularly older adults who live alone and individuals who require mobility assistance. During periods of extreme cold, heavy snowfalls and/or power outages, check in to make sure they are staying warm and have the food, medications and other supplies they need.
Stay Warm Outdoors
Fresh air, natural daylight and outdoor activity can support physical and mental well-being. Plan outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day and dress appropriately for weather conditions.
- Check the weather before heading outdoors: Check Environment & Climate Change Canada website for information on current conditions, your local forecast and weather alerts or download the WeatherCAN mobile app.
- Understand the Wind Chill: The colder the wind chill, the greater the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. See Weather Conditions & Risk Levels below for guidance.
- Dress in layers: Wear several loose-fitting layers of clothing to trap warm air. Choose wool, silk or polypropylene fabrics for inner layers (rather than cotton) and waterproof, windproof outer layers. Wear a hat, warm mittens (instead of gloves) and waterproof boots with a wide, low heel to help keep warm and reduce the risk of slips and falls.
- Cover as much exposed skin as possible: When temperatures are very cold, cover your face, ears, and neck to help prevent frostbite.
- Stay dry: Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible to avoid risk of hypothermia.
- Keep moving: Avoid standing still for long periods. Keep your hands and feet moving to help maintain body heat.
- Warm up indoors: If you become cold, take a break in a heated public space, such as a public library, civic centre, or shopping mall.
- Alcohol, drugs & cold don’t mix: Alcohol and other substances can increase your risk of cold-related injury Alcohol can make you feel warmer and less aware of the cold while increasing your risk of hypothermia and other cold-related injuries.
- Stay connected: Tell friends or family where you’ll be if you plan to spend an extended period outdoors. Keep your cell phone fully charged, as cold weather can drain the battery quickly.
Weather Conditions & Risk Levels
| Wind Chill |
Health concerns |
| 0 to -9 |
Little to no health concerns. Slight increase in discomfort and feeling cold. |
| -10 to
-27 |
Moderate risk of hypothermia and frostbite during prolonged exposure.Consider limiting or cancelling outdoor activities. |
| -28 to -39 |
High risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes. Be ready to cut short or cancel outdoor activities. |
| -40 to -47 |
Very high risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Exposed skin can freeze in five to 10 minutes. Strongly consider limiting time outdoors or cancelling outdoor activities. |
| -48 to -54 |
Severe risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Exposed skin can freeze in two to five minutes. Strongly consider postponing or cancelling outdoor activities. |
For tips on dressing warmly, limiting outdoor exposure and staying safe during cold weather, see the “Stay Safe and Warm Outdoors” section.
Travel Safely in Winter
Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, poor visibility or icy conditions.
- Allow extra travel time and adjust your speed to road and weather conditions.
- Clear ice and snow from your vehicle before driving.
- Pack your vehicle with essential supplies including a first aid kit, booster cables, a small shovel, heavy blankets and extra warm clothing.
- Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged, as cold weather drains batteries more quickly.
- Let someone know your destination and expected arrival time when travelling in winter conditions.
- If cycling in winter, use the City’s network of cycling snow routes, which receive enhanced levels of snowplowing, salting and snow removal.
- Be visible and wear bright-coloured or reflective clothing when walking, cycling or participating in outdoor activities in snowy, dark or poor visibility conditions.
Stay Safe Near Ice
- Take extra care when walking on ice.
- Many cold-weather injuries result from slips and falls on ice-covered surfaces.
- Keep your steps and walkways free of ice and snow by using rock salt or other de-icing products.
- Call 311 for information on sidewalk and snow clearing and free snow removal services for senior and disabled persons.
Date modified: November 13, 2026
