By Michael Joel-Hansen

Drop in temperature means new challenges for some

Oct 9, 2018 | 5:00 PM

The temperatures have started to dip in Prince Albert as snow has settled marking the unofficial start of the winter season.

This change in temperatures means certain organizations are dealing with some new challenges. One of these organizations is the YWCA’s Our House, which provides a number of services to people who are in need.

Edna Bruce, who is the manager of Our House said they have already started to see more demand for some of their services, like their emergency shelter.

“We’ve certainly had more requests for rooms, especially from men,” she said.

Bruce said they are currently in the process of getting ready to open more spaces up, which will allow them to accommodate more people.

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“Our cot program is going to be opening up next Monday … that’s 10 beds,” she said.

This cold weather shelter provides people with a place to stay from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. the next morning. It also gives them the chance to get some warm clothes as well as breakfast.

Since the middle of last month the shelter has been full, which has led to people being turned away.

“It’s regular that we’re turning away, at least two or three people,” Bruce said.

With colder temperatures around the corner, Bruce said Our House could use donations of certain items for their clients.

“Anybody (who) wants to donate warm winter mitts, socks, scarfs, tookes, we certainly love them,” she said.

So far the colder temperatures have not led to any medical emergencies so far according to Lyle Karasiuk, the director of public affairs for Parkland Ambulance.

“It usually isn’t immediate for us, we tend to start to see them a few days or a week later, because now the cold weather has lasted,” he said.

With the change in weather, Karasiuk recommends that people who are going to be outside make sure they are prepared for the conditions.

“We need to start dressing for the weather, that simply means tooke, gloves, proper winter coat,” he said.

Along with making sure to dress appropriately, Karasiak explained there are other steps people should look to take.

“Our vehicles need to get ready for winter, if we haven’t checked on our furnace, we need to get that ready for winter, that includes not only the furnace maintenance, but carbon monoxide detectors,” he said.

Karasiuk also recommend people who are going to be travelling longer distances in their vehicles make sure to have blankets packed to keep them warm in case they are stuck for an extended period.       

news@panow.com

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