With cooler temperatures, shorter days and the flu and cold season, winter may bring changes to our health. Many of us may find it hard to get enough physical activity. Snow and ice can create hazards that can make walking, playing and working outdoors difficult. Many of us will come down with the flu or catch a cold. Throughout the winter, it is important that we continue to stay active, eat healthy, and take care of our families and ourselves.

Cold weather alerts

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues cold weather alerts to help the public stay informed about hazardous conditions. Stay updated by visiting the Government of Canada’s Severe Winter Weather Alerts page or downloading the WeatherCAN app. 

Emergency preparedness

PreparedBC is British Columbia's one-stop shop for disaster readiness information. For tips on seasonal readiness, how to prepare an emergency plan and what to include in an emergency kit, visit PreparedBC: Public emergency preparation and recovery - www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc.

• Follow PreparedBC on Facebook
• Follow @PreparedBC on X (formerly Twitter)

For emergency info BC advisories, visit: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca

Emergency shelters

BC Housing: Emergency shelters program provides a temporary place to sleep, eat and wash for anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. Some shelters may offer additional services such as meals, secure areas for belongings and a resource room with computers, phone or TV. Access to medical support, support staff and individualized help from a caseworker may be available. Find emergency shelter information and resources, including extreme weather shelters here:

• BC Housing: Shelter map
• BC2-1-1: Shelter and street help line

Warming centres

Warming centres and emergency shelters can provide protection from Hypothermia and cold temperature exposure during extreme cold weather. Emergency warming centres and general warming spaces locations may be listed on EmergencyMapBC.ca at the discretion of First Nations and local governments. If warming centres are not listed on the map in your area, contact your band office or local government, or visit CivicInfo BC: Directories or visit BC Housing for temporary winter and extreme weather response shelter information website.

Common illnesses and injuries during winter

Cold and flu, and some other conditions and illnesses are more common or worse during the winter months. The holidays can also be a stressful time for many people and may cause some of us to experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In addition, snow and ice can create hazards that increase the risk of falling and hurting yourself. To learn more about some of these common conditions, please visit Common illnesses and injuries during winter.

Cold weather

Throughout the winter, temperatures will drop and it may be very cold outside. Learn about cold exposure and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:

• Cold Exposure: Ways the body loses heat
• Cold Exposure: What increases your risk of injury?
• Cold temperature exposure
• Dry skin and itching
• Hypothermia and cold temperature exposure

Healthy living during winter

Healthy eating and physical activity promote and support social, physical and mental well-being for everyone, at all ages and stages of life. For advice on what you can to live a healthy lifestyle, visit the Healthy living during winter page.

When to visit the emergency room

The Emergency Room (ER) in hospitals can be very busy during winter months. Prepare and learn when you or a family member may need to use the ER. To learn more, see:

• BC Children's Hospital: When to bring your child to the BC Children's emergency department
• Fraser Health Authority: The cold facts on childhood fevers
• Fraser Health Authority: Your healthy winter guide 2023/24
• When to visit the emergency room

Fraser Health Authority

For tips to keep you fit, healthy and happy over winter, visit Your healthy winter guide.

Island Health

For tips to keep you fit, healthy and happy over winter, visit Holiday wellness: Tips to stay safe this season.

Vancouver Coastal Health

Put your health first this winter. As temperatures drop, the number of patients seeking care at emergency departments and community health-care facilities tends to rise. It's essential to recognize when it's time to seek medical help, and just as important to know how to care for yourself and avoid the need for medical care where possible.