Planning is key to staying safe in the winter cold

The roller coaster ride of winter is upon us. One day it is freezing cold then it warms up then it heads back to the cold. You never know how to dress but it does sometimes make for challenging road conditions. Being prepared is always key to your safety.

There is plenty of winter ahead. Planning is always key. Just as you would plan what to take on a trip vs grabbing a suitcase and randomly stuffing things into it! Here are some reminders for safe winter travels:

• Check weather and road conditions before you venture out.

• Wintry weather means you will ensure your tires are properly inflated. Increase the air pressure to manufacturer recommended pressure.

• Ensure you have a winter safety kit, extra blankets, shovel, booster cables, first aid high energy snacks.

• If you do have car trouble or an incident that gets you stuck, stay with your vehicle. Call for help if you have cell service. Signal for help!

Sometimes it is not your vehicle but your snowmobile or ATV that breaks down. Vehicles will stick to roadways, but your recreational vehicle sends you off the beaten path. With shorter daylight hours in the winter, you can easily become stranded, disorientated, or lost in the wilderness.

Are you prepared to be stuck outside? It takes some extra preparation to be outdoors, that is why travelling with others is especially important. You can leave a broken-down snow machine or hop onto another sled if an injury allows.

Being on the sled or ATV requires you to pack along things like a small axe to cut trees to build that important fire or shelter. Do not forget matches are kept dry and easily accessible.

While you might not be able to place a cell phone call, you might be able to text. If your phone has limited power text messaging always uses less power. When you call for help do your best to give as good of location as possible. You might not know where you are, but you might know how long you were driving, what landmarks you can see, how long ago did pass an important landmark like the top of a hill or an important sign.

Giving accurate directions is one of the most if not the most important parts of getting help to you. If paramedics can not find you, how can they help you! Simple steps will help the helpers get to you as quickly and safely as possible.

If you live in a rural area where a road might be blocked because of snow, know an alternative means to provide directions. Our paramedics will always do their absolute best to get to you but if the road is not passible, we need an alternative means to get our help to you.

Winter has its fair share of slips and falls. As the writer of this column, I have had a few tumbles myself wear our dog looks at me saying what you down here next to me. If you do fall or go to help someone who has fallen, do not be in a hurry to get up. Stop, make sure there is nothing broken. Gently and slowly move ankles, wrists, elbows, and knees. Slowly sit up then stand. If at any time something hurts stop moving and seek appropriate medical care as needed. Be safe!

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