Winnipeg, MB - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is reminding citizens to stay safe during extreme cold temperatures.
Extreme cold temperatures can be a hazard to personal safety, and special precautions are required. Before you head outdoors, please take the following steps to reduce your risk of weather-related health problems:
- Older adults and very young children should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Check on older friends, relatives and neighbours who live alone. During periods of extreme cold weather, offer to shop for older friends and relatives.
- While indoors, try to keep at least one room heated to 20 degrees Celsius. Be careful when using fireplaces, wood stoves or space heaters to stay warm. Carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires are very real winter hazards.
- Dress in layers of warm, dry clothing, so that you can adjust to changing conditions. Be sure to wear a warm hat that covers your ears and a pair of loose-fitting gloves or mitts; up to 40 per cent of our body heat is lost through the head and hands.
- Avoid fatigue and exhaustion during cold weather. Overexertion, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can strain your heart.
- Cover exposed skin surfaces to protect from frostbite.
- Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention. Severe hypothermia can be life threatening.
- Wear winter footwear with good treads, foot traction aids and/or ice picks on canes. Reschedule outings or appointments on days that are particularly slippery.
- When traveling by automobile, monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories.
- Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car. This should include extra clothing, blankets, food, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies. Keep your gas tank full and to the extent possible, avoid traveling alone.
For more information on staying safe during extreme cold weather, visit the City of Winnipeg’s Winter Safety Webpage