The extreme cold temperatures create dangerous conditions for anyone outside too long. Let’s watch out for each other as we try to stay warm and safe.
Emergencies
If you see someone in medical distress due to the cold weather, or if you need emergency help, call 9-1-1.
On this page
Non-emergency crisis support
During regular business hours
Contact Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044 if you need support.
24/7
If you see someone who may be struggling, is without safe shelter or who may need support, please phone RCMP & Enforcement Services at 780-467-7741 so they can connect with them and offer supports.
24/7 - after hours
- Call Edmonton 211 and press 1 for 211 Alberta and 2 for Seniors 211
Information and referrals for:
- Food
- Clothing
- Emergency financial supports for food, clothing, shelter and transportation
- Shelter and housing supports
- Mental health supports including counselling
Within the Edmonton area only, call 211 and press 3 for 24/7 Crisis Diversion team.
Supports in the Edmonton area only may include:
- transportation and access to shelters, drop-ins, health care facilities and service programs
- in-person supports for person in crisis to access resources
To report an animal in distress
Outside the Edmonton area, you can phone Strathcona County RCMP non-emergency line at 780-467-7741 or Alberta SPCA at 1-800-455-9003 (option 1).
Need a place to warm up or a ride?
You are welcome to visit the following locations to warm up, free of charge.
- Strathcona County Community Centre (north access doors open weekdays 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
- Strathcona County Library (open weekdays 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.)
- Bethel Transit Terminal (open weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. – 10:45 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 7:45 p.m.)
- Ordze Transit Centre (open weekdays 5:30 a.m. – 6:45 p.m., closed on weekends.)
- County recreation centre lobbies and common areas (times vary)
- If you’re cold and need shelter, hop on a Strathcona County Transit bus. Even if you don’t have a fare, we will make sure you aren’t left outside. More information on Safe Bus
Want to help?
- Donate new or gently used clothing to social agencies that provide food, warming spaces and supports for people in need.
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy. They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
- Watch this video to learn and share tips on how you can prepare for extreme cold
Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite
- Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.
- The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.
Hypothermia
- Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature
- Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur.
- It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness. Cardiac arrest may occur.
What to do:
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
- Get the person indoors.
- Gently remove wet clothing.
- Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.
Frostbite
- A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.
- Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
- No sensation - the area is numb or tingling.
What to do:
- Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help!
- Do not rub or massage the area.
- Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
- Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C). Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.
These tips have been brought to you by Environment Canada in collaboration with Public Safety Canada.
Keeping an eye on furry friends
If you see dogs in distress, call at Enforcement Services at 780-449-0170. For all other animals, call the Alberta SPCA at 1-800-455-9003.
Cold weather driving tips
- Always carry a snowbrush/scraper in your car with possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables and flashlight
- Make sure all mirrors and windows of your vehicle are free from snow or frost before getting on the road. Don’t forget to remove the snow from the roof of your vehicle.
- Keep your headlights on.
- Give yourself enough time to stop.
- Be sure your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is clear of any snow or obstructions.
- Check all block heater cords for any signs of heat damage or wear before using.
- Vehicles will break down/not start. Please have patience and help one another.
- Keep extra blankets, hats, mittens and cold weather clothing in your vehicle. Dry snacks and water can be helpful especially if you have young children or medical conditions.
Shoveling tips
- Use a lightweight shovel and push the snow as much as possible instead of lifting.
- Only lift as much as is easy for you to throw.
- Don't twist your body; turn your feet in the direction you're throwing.
- Take your time and dress for the weather.
- Know the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and heart attack. Phone 9-1-1 if you or someone else needs emergency assistance.
Power usage tips
Power usage hits peak hours between 5-7 p.m., and Albertans are encouraged to limit electricity use during those hours by taking steps including:
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
- Minimize use of space heaters
- Delay use of energy-demanding appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers during peak hours
- Cook with microwave, crockpot or toaster oven instead of a stove
- Limit use of kitchen or bathroom fans
- Use motion detector lights where possible
- Work on a laptop instead of desktop computer
