With frigid temperatures and extreme cold warnings affecting southern Manitoba, a meteorologist is warning everyone to be extra careful when heading out in these conditions.
Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada urges us to dress appropriately by wearing layers and ensuring our footwear is waterproof and windproof. It is also important to cover extremities and as much exposed skin as possible.
“Even if we don’t have a weather warning for extreme cold out in effect, remember that we don’t need to be at warning criteria for frostbite and hypothermia to be a concern. It might take a bit longer, but it is still very much a risk that you have to prepare for,”
If you are headed out onto the road, Hasell says you should ensure your vehicle is in good working order. This includes ensuring your fluids are topped up and you have plenty of gas.
"So that if you do end up on the highway unexpectedly stalled or stranded, you can be a little bit more comfortable than you would be otherwise," she says.
Hasell reminds us to have a charged cell phone while driving and to make sure that our vehicle has an emergency kit. Your kit should include the following items:
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Food that won't spoil, such as energy bars
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Water in plastic bottles so they won't break if frozen (change every six months)
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Blanket
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Extra clothing and shoes
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First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
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Small shovel, scraper, and snow brush
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Candle in a deep can and matches
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Wind-up flashlight
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Whistle, in case you need to attract attention
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Roadmaps
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Copy of your emergency plan and personal documents
Hasell says you should also have the following items in your trunk:
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Sand, salt, or cat litter (non-clumping)
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Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid
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Tow rope
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Jumper cables
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Fire extinguisher
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Warning light or road flares
If you become stranded in your vehicle, Hasell says you should remember that distances are hard to judge on the highway. For example, landmarks don't appear as far apart when travelling at highway speed. But if you leave your vehicle and try to walk for help, what seemed to be a short distance by car, can suddenly feel much longer.
"Assuming that your car is still intact, stay in your car, it already offers you shelter, so don't leave it," she says. "Even if you think you can make it to that thing in the distance, you might be exposing yourself to the elements unnecessarily and you might not make it to that location you think is shelter."
With files from Shannon Dueck.