Simply put it is cold. If you cannot escape the winter to a warm holiday destination, then I guess we are going to have to tough it out! But on the bright side spring is not that far away. Those who start plants for outdoors have already woken their seeds from hibernation and the grow lights are on.
If you do need to venture out, please dress according to the weather. Mittens, toque, layers of clothing and good winter footwear. Frostbite can occur in cold temperatures in a few short minutes. If you recognize frostbite, red blotches on exposed skin, head indoors and warm up.
Those folks with a passion for the outdoors no matter what the weather should be prepared. Whether you are out for a hike or on a snow machine, incidents can happen. People can become injured, equipment can break down, there is a chance we can become lost. Be prepared with a fully charged cell phone, emergency supplies like high energy snacks plus a small ax and matches are some of the essentials. Compact first aid supplies such as tourniquet, collapsible splint and bandaging supplies are easy to store in a backpack. These items can prove vital and necessary in the event of injury.
Heading out on the highway whether as a regular commute or to visit others might prove challenging too. Recognize that weather can change as can road conditions. If you become stranded or have a mechanical breakdown, stay with your vehicle. You might have seen a house with lights on at the last intersection or across the open field but not being familiar with the area you can easily become injured, which might have tragic consequences.
Often when we travel, especially longer trips, we want to be comfortable so we remove bulky winter clothing or might not even bring it along to save space. Keep the mittens, toques, and winter parka always handy ‘just in case.’
While many folks are either still on their winter vacation or heading out on one, a little planning goes a long way. Not only planning for the vacation destination but also for home too. There is plenty of winter still left so having someone check your home while you are away essential. The splashing water is what you want to wake up to on a sunny beach, not looking at on your basement floor because of a broken water pipe. Check with your insurance company as to any additional precautions you need to take. Recently a news story talked about increased costs on insurance due to claims across the country due to several large-scale natural disasters. Do not add to your misery having to make a claim, have someone keep an eye on the home while you are away.
With the recent and continued cold our furnaces are working extra hard to keep us warm. When is the last time you changed your furnace filter? At least every 60 days, maybe more or less often as recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure you have the proper size to keep good air flow in the home. Recently at our house we increased the density of the filter hoping it would be cleaner air inside. We ended up with a moisture problem because of incorrect air flow. Easily resolved with a less dense filter. Do not forget the outdoor exhaust. Many homes have exhaust ports somewhere outside, please keep them free of ice and snow. In Saskatchewan it is the law to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your residence. Get one and keep everyone safe. Be safe – Stay Warm!
Lyle Karasiuk is the Director of Public Affairs and Support Services with Parkland Ambulance.
