With wind chill values nearing minus 40, officials are offering lots of advice on how to stay warm and be safe.
Barrie Fire Deputy Chief Jeff Weber says it's important to prepare both your home and your car with emergency kits.
Pack everything you would need to survive outside and inside your vehicle in extreme cold.
"Water, a candle, blankets, warm clothing and boots for your car," said Weber.
At home, keep lots of blankets handy and stay warm.
Ensure your outside vents are clear of snow to keep your furnace running but if it stops working be careful of using alternative heat sources.
"Keep space heaters and electric heat clear of combustibles. In the past, some people with power failures have brought their barbecues in and tried to heat their house or other alternative heat sources like construction heaters. All of those produce carbon monoxide and without proper ventilation from your home, you're going to end up with a different problem. It will be warm but you will be dead from carbon monoxide poisoning."
Fire officials are urging people to check on neighbours during this cold snap, especially seniors.
But Weber says don't go out if you don't have to. Otherwise, limit your exposure to the wind and cold.
"Cover up and protect yourself. With the wind chill getting to that bone-numbing minus 37 it is absolutely going to strip the heat out of a person if they're not prepared."
Frostbite and hypothermia can occur in a very short period of time in these extreme temperatures, prompting a warning about cold-related illness or injury from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit .
'Health risks are greatest for homeless people, outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts, older adults, infants and children, and persons with preexisting medical conditions such as heart or lung disease. To reduce your risk, avoid exposure to the cold by covering exposed skin with a hat, gloves, scarf, and take regular breaks from the cold, in warm locations whenever possible.'
For more information visit simcoemuskokahealth.org.
The city of Barrie is making seven public facilities available as warming centres for anyone who needs to get out of the cold:
Allandale Recreation Centre; Holly Community Centre; East Bayfield Community Centre; Downtown Barrie Library; Painswick Public Library; City Hall Rotunda and the Transit Terminal.
For more information on cold weather safety visit Wind chill and cold weather - Canada.ca.
