COLD WAVE Preparedness and Safety

   Website
   https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/emergency-guidelines/weather/cold-wave.html
   University of Winnipeg
   [[Content::Cold waves can last for weeks and can have an effect on infrastructure, machinery, and health and safety. Frost bite and hypothermia pose a serious risk to people.

You can protect yourself and your household from the many hazards of a cold wave and winter conditions by planning ahead

BEFORE

• Be aware once a “special weather statement” or windchill warning will be issued.
• As infrastructure could be affected, the following are additional items that may be considered:
  • An alternate heat source with extra fuel.
    • Ensure that there is proper ventilation.
    • Never burn charcoal indoors.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure that the household knows how to use it.
• Prepare for possible isolation in your home. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water.

DURING

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by temporarily closing off heat to some rooms.
• Eat to supply heat to the body and drink non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration.

Outside

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
  • The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Mittens are warmer than gloves.
• Cover your head as most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Use caution when shovelling snow.
  • Over exertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter.
• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
  • If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location and remove any wet clothing.
  • If conscious, warm the centre of the body first by giving warm, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Driving

About 70 per cent of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles.

• Consider public transportation if you must travel.
• If you travel by car, travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule.
• Stay on main roads; avoid back-road shortcuts.
• Winterize your car.
  • This includes checking battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires.
  • Consider snow tires and keep your car’s gas tank full.
  • Carry a basic vehicle emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle.
• If you get trapped in your car:
  • Pull off the highway.
  • Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
  • Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
  • Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
    • Be careful: distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
  • Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.
  • When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation.
    • This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
  • Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.
  • In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation.
  • Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
  • Take turns sleeping.
    • One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
  • Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Be careful not to waste battery power.
  • Balance electrical energy needs — the use of lights, heat, and radio — with supply.
  • At night, turn on the inside light so work crews or rescuers can see you.
  • If stranded in a remote area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.

Note: Use the translation feature of your browser]]

   Cold wave
   Before, During
   English

View all Crisis Communication

Created: 22 September 2023
Last edited: 23 October 2023

Type:

Website

Publishing Organisation:

University of Winnipeg

Languages

• English

Scenarios

• Cold wave

Disaster Management Phase

Before, During

Cold waves can last for weeks and can have an effect on infrastructure, machinery, and health and safety. Frost bite and hypothermia pose a serious risk to people.

You can protect yourself and your household from the many hazards of a cold wave and winter conditions by planning ahead

BEFORE

• Be aware once a “special weather statement” or windchill warning will be issued.
• As infrastructure could be affected, the following are additional items that may be considered:
  • An alternate heat source with extra fuel.
    • Ensure that there is proper ventilation.
    • Never burn charcoal indoors.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure that the household knows how to use it.
• Prepare for possible isolation in your home. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water.

DURING

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Listen to the radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by temporarily closing off heat to some rooms.
• Eat to supply heat to the body and drink non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration.

Outside

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
  • The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Mittens are warmer than gloves.
• Cover your head as most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Use caution when shovelling snow.
  • Over exertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter.
• Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
  • If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location and remove any wet clothing.
  • If conscious, warm the centre of the body first by giving warm, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Driving

About 70 per cent of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles.

• Consider public transportation if you must travel.
• If you travel by car, travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule.
• Stay on main roads; avoid back-road shortcuts.
• Winterize your car.
  • This includes checking battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires.
  • Consider snow tires and keep your car’s gas tank full.
  • Carry a basic vehicle emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle.
• If you get trapped in your car:
  • Pull off the highway.
  • Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window.
  • Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.
  • Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
    • Be careful: distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
  • Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.
  • When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation.
    • This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
  • Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.
  • In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation.
  • Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
  • Take turns sleeping.
    • One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
  • Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Be careful not to waste battery power.
  • Balance electrical energy needs — the use of lights, heat, and radio — with supply.
  • At night, turn on the inside light so work crews or rescuers can see you.
  • If stranded in a remote area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.

Note:

Use the translation feature of your browser

Source

https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/emergency-guidelines/weather/cold-wave.html