Deep freeze

Environment Canada says that this year Canadians can expect a very cold winter. While chapped lips or cold hands can be minor annoyances, sustained cold can lead to burst pipes and hazardous travel conditions. The following hints will help keep you warm and safe.

Don't wait for poor weather to prepare. Begin your preparations early in the season. Give your car a winter tune-up in mid autumn and have your snow tires installed early to avoid being caught off guard by a late autumn snowstorm. Assemble an emergency kit including basic items and listen to weather forecasts early every day to determine if there is the potential for severe weather in your area.

Listen for Environment Canada's weather forecasts and warnings and pay close attention to changing weather conditions. Get in the habit of factoring the weather into your daily plans and be ready to cancel or reschedule plans.

Travel safely. Assemble a car emergency kit. Listen to weather forecasts early in the day to determine if there is the potential for severe weather in your area, or along your travel route.

Assemble a home emergency kit that includes basic items such as canned food, bottled water, radio, and a flashlight.

Work and play safe. Winter storms and high wind chill values can be hazardous to you, your employees, children, or even pets. When working or playing outside be aware of worsening conditions, and get indoors if needed. If you must be outside during bad weather, wear a hat and dress in thin layers of loose-fitting clothing with water-repellent and wind-resistant outer layers. Watch carefully for symptoms of hypothermia: shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control. Frostbite can occur in minutes. Watch for numbness or whiteness in ears, nose, fingers, and toes.

Visit this Environment Canada page for more information on hazardous winter weather.

This tip has been brought to you by Environment Canada in collaboration with Public Safety Canada.