Cold notification issued for GEPH region starting December 4, 2025

UPDATE - December 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - The cold notification issued by the Medical Officer of Health on December 4, 2025, for the Grand Erie Public Health region has been cancelled as temperatures are no longer forecasted to be -15 C or -20 C with windchill.

Norfolk County is sharing this information on behalf of Grand Erie Public Health. For all news items related to public health in the region, visit geph.ca/news.

The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for Grand Erie Public Health is issuing a Cold Notification for the Grand Erie Public Health region (Brantford-Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk), effective December 4, 2025.

A Cold Notification is issued by the MOH when parts or all areas of the region are expected to reach temperatures below -15 ºC, or when wind chill values reach -20 ºC.

The notification will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

These conditions can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals who are outdoors for long periods or without appropriate clothing, shelter or heating.

Cold temperatures can make some chronic health conditions worse, and being outside in very cold weather can cause hypothermia, frostbite or frostnip. If you think you or someone has hypothermia or frostbite, seek immediate medical attention.

To prevent cold-weather-related injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite:

• Consider limiting time outdoors and taking regular breaks inside.
• Wear several layers of clothing and make sure the outer layer protects you from both wind and wetness.
• Cover exposed skin using hats, scarves, neck warmers, mittens, and/or face masks.
• Wear waterproof winter boots with an extra layer of socks.
• Drink warm, caffeine-free and alcohol-free fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Check on older adults and vulnerable people frequently to ensure they are safe and warm.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle if travelling.

To learn more about preventing cold-related illnesses during extreme cold weather, please visit www.geph.ca