By Parkland Ambulance

Safety First

Winter Weather – Get Ready!

Oct 30, 2019 | 2:37 PM

As sure as the calendar switches to November there will be snow on the ground

If we managed to sneak past Halloween without a significant snow fall that is fantastic, but it is doubtful we will have no snow this winter. Have you got your winter preparations done?

Those preparations begin with our house:

• · Making sure we have properly fitting weather stripping around doors and windows.
• · If you have an older home, then maybe inside window insulating kits are in order
• · Have you changed your furnace filter recently?
• · What about getting a carbon monoxide detector to detect the odorless/colorless gas that can potentially harm us.
• · Found your snow shovels and de-icing salt? Keeping your sidewalks free of ice and snow is gratefully appreciated by visitors or our paramedics alike
• · What would happen if you lost power for a period of time? Do have a back-up heat source or a generator for alternative power?
• Next we need to prepare our vehicles:
• · Winter tires help us stay safe and in control of our vehicle. Once the temperature drops below 7 C it is time for winter tires.
• · Fill the windshield washer fluid and check/replace the wiper blades

· Dig out you winter safety kit that might include:

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o Shovel

o Tow rope

o Booster cables

o First aid kit

o Extra blankets, winter boots, mittens and toque

o A good scraper too to keep windows free of ice and snow

· If you get stranded please stay with your vehicle. While the appearance of the nearest house is not that far away, crossing the field with an unknown surface can lead to more trouble than you planned for. Plus the fact that you may to be dressed properly might have a disastrous consequence.

For everyone of us who might enjoy a walk outdoors:

· Dress for the weather and dress in layers, especially if you are doing some activity so as you warm you can take off a layer but add as you get cold.

· Good footwear to prevent slips and falls.

o If you do fall it is important to be sure everything is working before trying to get up. That means slowly get to a sitting position, wiggle arms, shoulders, wrists; bend knees and wiggle your hips.

o Slowly try to get to your knees then to your feet to continue on your way.

o Often we are quite embarrassed by the fall and quickly want to not be seen lying on the cold ground. But if you are injured, moving too fast can make things much worse.

o Think about adding some added grips to the bottom of your shoes to ensure you stay up right through the winter

Remember to check the weather forecasts via any media to ensure that you avoid bad weather but being prepared will give you that added comfort for the winter ahead. With a whole lot of preparation we can avoid any potential injury.