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By SHANNON VANRAES, SUN MEDIA  
 
Extreme weather is difficult enough for those who are well-prepared, but for the city's most vulnerable it can be deadly.  
 
"It's cold enough to kill you," said Blake, who is currently staying at Siloam Mission in Winnipeg's core area.  
 
The 47-year-old moved to the Princess Street shelter about a week ago after being evicted from his apartment. If it wasn't for the Christian agency, he would be on the streets.  
 
"I was worried, but I knew there was a place like this," said Blake, who also volunteers at Siloam Mission.  
 
Len Perry, an outreach worker at the shelter, said its 105 beds have been full since a recent cold snap began.  
 
 
-40 TEMPERATURES  
 
Yesterday morning the deep freeze continued as the wind chill dropped to -40 C in Winnipeg. Environment Canada had issued a wind chill warning for Winnipeg and other parts of Manitoba.  
 
"We don't want them going out without mitts or a hat," Perry said of the shelter's residents, adding the most important thing is making sure they have warm coats.  
 
Frontline workers assess visitors and try to provide whatever clothing is needed.  
 
Perry also noted more people are making use of the shelter now that winter weather has set in.  
 
"I notice people are staying longer," he added.  
 
Many humanitarian organizations work to assist the city's homeless but there just aren't enough beds to go around, said Mark Young, community ministerial co-ordinator for Winnipeg's Salvation Army.  
 
DISTRIBUTE BLANKETS  
 
In addition to operating a shelter with more than 100 beds, the Salvation Army distributes blankets and warm clothing to people spending the night on the street.  
 
However, he said the shelter was filled to capacity last week.  
 
"It's a huge problem," said Young, who estimates there are roughly 2,000 "visibly homeless" people in Winnipeg. "We would like to see a long-term solution."  
 
This morning's forecast calls for a wind chill of -39 C but warmer temperatures are expected later this week, with Environment Canada forecasting for a high of -7 C for Wednesday.  
 
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TIPS FOR STAYING WARM  
 
Some tips for protecting yourself in situations of extreme cold:  
 
- Both the elderly and very young should avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.  
 
- Dress in multiple layers of warm, dry clothing. Always wear a hat that covers your ears and loose-fitting gloves or mitts. Humans can lose up to 40% of their body heat through their hands and head.  
 
- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consume high energy foods and drink something warm like hot chocolate or soup.  
 
- Keep an eye out for signs of hypothermia, which include confusion, dizziness, severe shivering and exhaustion. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.  
 
- Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Do not attempt to warm frostbitten skin by rubbing it. Instead, warm affected areas gradually by placing the area next to warm skin, or in warm water.  
 
- Pack a winter survival kit in your vehicle, making sure to include extra clothing, food, flares, blankets and first-aid materials.  
 
- Winnipeg Regional Heath Authority