Cover LetterCover Letter from Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health and Anthony Di Monte, Chief, Paramedic Service Dear Service Providers and Community Agencies: Enclosed please find a Cold Weather Resource Kit for your information. The City of Ottawa is working with partner agencies to prevent cold-related injuries and death through increased awareness and education. In Canada, more than 80 people die each year from over-exposure to the cold. Homeless people, infants, the elderly, and newcomers to Canada are particularly vulnerable to the risks of frostbite and hypothermia. The Kit is designed to inform service providers and the general public about cold-related risks and provide a coordinated response to extreme cold weather. City of Ottawa Public Health, Housing, Parks and Recreation and Ottawa Paramedic Service are working with The Salvation Army, the Red Cross and emergency shelter services to raise awareness, identify people in need of assistance, and ensure emergency shelter space is always available to them. A Frostbite Alert is in effect when Environment Canada forecasts a wind chill of -25 or colder. Key service providers including homeless shelters, outreach workers and community resource centres are encouraged to monitor the weather and use the information in the Kits to ensure the safety of individuals. Service providers may take direct action or, in the case of a homeless person, may call the "Help for the Homeless" phone line at 613-580-2626. Calls are answered by the City's Call Centre on a priority basis and referrals are made to the appropriate services. Through this initiative, we can all play a role to make sure that the vulnerable populations are kept safe and warm during the winter months. Thank you and stay safe this winter! Yours truly,
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