Snowstorms/Extreme Cold – How To Stay Safe

The weather over the last few weeks has been wet and windy, but as the winter goes on and the tops of the mountains return to white, we need to be ready for the possibility of winter storms.

Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather, because winter storms can:

• Last for a few hours or several days
• Knock out heat, power, and communication services
• Place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk

Here are a few tips if there’s a threat of a winter storm:

• Stay off roads, stay indoors and dress warmly
• Only use generators outside and away from windows
• Listen for emergency information and alerts
• Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication
• Do not forget the needs of pets

It’s important to recognize and respond to the signs of frostbite. If someone is suffering from frostbite, they will feel numb, while their skin will look white or a grayish-yellow colour. You can respond to frostbite by going to a warm room, soak in warm water and use body heat to warm up.

Another condition to watch out for is hypothermia. If someone is suffering from hypothermia, they will be shivering, they could be confused, have slurred speech or they could be drowsy. You can respond to hypothermia by going to a warm room, warming the centre of the body first, and stay wrapped up.