SASKATOON — In response to the cold temperatures this week, the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will activate the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan (ECWERP) from Jan. 9 to 14.
The ECWERP enables collaboration from over 35 community partners to ensure everyone has access to a safe location when Saskatoon is experiencing extreme cold or other severe weather.
The extreme cold weather response is activated when:
- air temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -30 C for two days;
- air temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -40 C for at least two hours; or,
- when 10cm of snow falls within 12 hours or less.
When the Extreme Cold Weather response is activated, members establish a coordinated approach to providing services and support for residents, including:
- emergency overnight shelters
- warm-up locations
- outreach services such as wellness checks and connecting individuals to available resources
- cold weather essentials such as toques, mitts, jackets, and blankets
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness can visit any of the designated warm-up locations throughout the city.
EMO encourages residents to stay safe during these cold temperatures. Residents can help those most vulnerable by sharing the warm-up locations poster, checking on family, friends and neighbours and by alerting emergency services if you see someone in distress due to the cold.
As always, Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs emergency services. If you need help, flag down or go to a parked bus. Operators can contact emergency services directly & will provide a safe place to wait.
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
For more information about the ECWERP, visit saskatoon.ca/cold
