Stay Warm

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. To reduce the health effects of exposure to cold weather, practice these tips and advice and stay safe during the winter.

  • Dress in layers (wear hats and mittens, waterproof and windproof outer layers and waterproof boots).
  • Cover as much exposed skin as possible by:
    • Wearing waterproof and windproof outer layers.
    • Wearing a hat.
    • Wearing warm mittens instead of gloves.
    • Wearing warm, waterproof boots.
    • Choosing wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing, these materials hold more body heat than cotton.
  • Stay dry and avoid wearing wet clothing
    • If your clothes get wet from precipitation, sweat or water, change into dry clothing as soon as possible.
  • If spending time outdoors, warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings such as libraries and malls.
  • Check on higher risk family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors living alone (if no answer is received, consider knocking on their door to check on them).
  • Check the weather daily .
  • Check Environment & Climate Change Canada website for information on your local forecast and weather alerts or download the WeatherCAN mobile app.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol (it increases blood flow in the vessels close to your skin, making you feel warm even though you are losing body heat)
  • Download the Stay Warm This Winter infographic to help spread the word.
Wind Chill Health concerns How to Stay Warm
0 to -9
  • In general, little to no health concerns.
  • Slight increase in discomfort and feeling cold.
  • Dress warmly.
  • Stay dry.
-10 to

-27
  • Feeling cold and uncomfortable.
  • Risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outside for long periods without adequate protection.
  • Risk increases the colder the temperature or wind chill value.
  • Check on higher risk family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors living alone.
  • Dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant.
  • Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf/neck warmer, and insulated, waterproof footwear.
  • Choose wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing, these materials hold more body heat than cotton.
  • Stay dry.
  • Consider limiting or cancelling time outdoors.
-28 to -39
  • High risk of frostnip or frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes.
  • High risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or shelter from wind and cold.
  • Check on higher risk family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors living alone.
  • Dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant.
  • Cover exposed skin.
  • Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf/neck warmer, and insulated, waterproof footwear.
  • Choose wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing, these materials hold more body heat than cotton.
  • Stay dry.
  • Be ready to cut short or cancel outdoor activities.
-40 to -47
  • Very high risk of frostbite.
  • Exposed skin can freeze in 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Very high risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or shelter from wind and cold.
  • Check on higher risk family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors living alone.
  • Dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant.
  • Cover all exposed skin.
  • Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf/neck warmer, and insulated, waterproof footwear.
  • Choose wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing, these materials hold more body heat than cotton.
  • Stay dry.
  • Strongly consider limiting time outdoors or cancel outdoor activities.
-48 to -54
  • Severe risk of frostbite.
  • Exposed skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes.
  • Severe risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate clothing or shelter from wind and cold.
  • Check on higher risk family, friends and neighbours, especially seniors living alone.
  • Be careful. Dress very warmly in layers of clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant.
  • Cover all exposed skin.
  • Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, a scarf/neck warmer, and insulated, waterproof footwear.
  • Choose wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing, these materials hold more body heat than cotton.
  • Stay dry.
  • Strongly consider limiting time outdoors or cancel outdoor activities.
  • Wear comfortable winter boots with a wide and low heel.
  • Wear several layers of warm, lightweight clothing when shovelling snow and follow medical advice if you have a history of back or heart problems.
  • Wear bright-coloured clothing in snowy weather.
  • Notify friends or family where you will be when going on outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing or skating.
  • 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.
  • Check the weather forecast.
  • Avoid travelling in low visibility and on ice covered roads.
  • Clear your vehicle windows of all frost and snow so you can clearly see pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
  • Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged.
  • Let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive.
  • Make sure your car has a survival kit including a first aid kit, water and additional warm clothing
  • Cycle along the City’s network of cycling snow routes, which receive enhanced levels of snowplowing, salting and snow removal.

Get your home and car ready for winter:

  • Heat your home to a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.
    • For renters: Toronto has a bylaw (Municipal Code Chapter 497 Article 1) that requires landlords provide heat and maintain a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celcius between September 15 and June 1 of each year.
  • Conduct regular maintenance, including ensuring your heating system is working properly.
  • Prepare for the possibility of power outages.
  • If you have a car, make sure it has a survival kit including a first aid kit.

If you need to report a pet or animal that may be in distress, Toronto Animal Services responds to complaints about animals exposed to extreme weather on a priority basis.