Groundhog predictions notwithstanding (Wiarton Willie may have gotten it wrong this year), friends in Ontario and Atlantic Canada are getting ready for another blast of winter.
As always, the Canadian Red Cross recommends you stay informed and follow the advice of local officials in storms and extreme weather. You can also take a few steps now to prepare, to minimize the impact of the storm.
If you need to be out on the road in a storm, keep a vehicle emergency kit in the trunk of your car. It should be stocked with items such as a blanket, non-perishable food and water, salt or sand, shovel and scraper, jumper cables, road flares, etc. Take a look at the full list here.
You can protect yourself from extreme cold by wearing layers and covering your most vulnerable areas such as fingers, nose and ears. Hypothermia and frostbites are sure to put a damper on fun winter activities such as sledding, snowball fights and skiing. Here are some hints that you’re experiencing signs of frostbite: numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, and for hypothermia, you could have slurred speech, pale skin and bluish lips, slow pulse and even unconsciousness.
Shovelling snow is hard work, in fact, it’s been known to result in heart attacks. Take it easy if you have a lot of snow to clear. We suggest you take breaks, stay hydrated and know how to recognize the signs that you may be in trouble and require medical attention. And of course, it’s always a good idea to be trained in First Aid and CPR.
Stay safe, friends!