Canada during the winter season can be both beautiful and scary all in the same breath. As the temperature drops, bears suddenly are not the only ones hibernating. Though we would prefer staying inside during the cold, some people need to be out and about, whether it is for work, or to simply run some errands.
During the winter, we advise you to be prepared for whatever the season may bring, whether indoors or out. Here are five pointers to keep in mind for a Canadian winter.
1. Prepare a first aid kit
Now whatever the emergency may be, it is important to have a first aid kit at hand. This will ensure that you are now equipped to deal with minor accidents and injuries. A basic first aid kit will have the following :
Different size plaster
Sterile Gauze
At Least 2 sterile eye dressing
Cotton
Distilled Water (this is used to clean wounds).
Cough medicine
Pain killers
Skin rash cream
Thermometer
Bandage
Burn ointment
Safety Pins
Dressing ointment
These supplies gathered in one package, case or bag can save the life of you, a friend or relative, in case of an
emergency.
2. Prepare and keep an emergency kit inside your home.
Emergency kits are essential in your homes, especially during the winter. Even though some basic items can be found throughout your home, such as alcohol, band-aids, flashlights, etc. When an emergency is upon us, we do not have the time to search and gather these essentials, so it's recommended to gather these ahead of time.
During the winter, whether we are at work, school, or home, our main fear is losing heat, power, or telephone service during a storm. But in case this happens, here is a list of essentials that you will need immediate access to:
First aid kits
Extra medicine
Hygiene products
Non- perishable and high energy meals that do not need cooking or refrigeration ( dry fruits and energy bars.).
Baby items ( A few changes of clothes, diapers, blankets, nappies, bottles, juice, and food).
A flashlight (extra batteries)
Battery-powered radio
Extra water ( based on frequently asked questions in Canada a five 5 gallon bottle of water can keep three people hydrated for up to five days).
Emergency heating source (fireplace, furnace, or woodstove). You can read our blog on furnace maintenance to learn more.
Fire extinguisher
3. Safety kit for your vehicle.
Storms are unexpected and can be very dangerous. In case you need to hurry out of the home or get stuck outside before you could reach inside, It is smart to have a survival kit at hand. Some items you can include in your vehicle survival kit are:
The first tip is advice, do not travel alone during a storm. Better yet, don't travel at all, stay indoors.
Compass or road maps
Water
Blankets
Flashlight ( extra batteries)
First aid kits
Extra clothing ( to stay warm and dry).
Shovel
Windshield scraper and brush
Tow rope
Tool kit
Booster cables
Candles
Waterproof matches
DIY Porta Potty ( you can use a large empty can, plastic bag, tissue, and paper towels ). Here is a guide to learn how to make one https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/crafting/build-homemade-camping-toilet-ze0z1604zsel.
Extra gasoline for vehicle
Sack of sand or cat litter (to add to bodily waste for safety and deodorizing).
All items listed above normally have a long shelf life and can spend a few seasons in the kit without going bad, however, it is smart to check the best before dates and make note of the dates. You can even set a reminder on your electronics, just to know when you need to replace or replenish your kit.
4. List to your weather forecast and keep up to date
You need to check your weather channels before leaving your home. Your local weather channel will normally give a precise reading of what your weather will be like over a specific period of time.
These same weather forecasts will send out warnings, wind chill, storm, blizzard, etc. You can watch the Environment weather forecast or visit their weather and meteorology website at https://weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html.
You can also get these reports via the radio as well. Just tune in to your local channel.
5. Dress warmly
During the winter you need layers in order to stay warm. Putting a thick windbreaker or jacket on the outer layer for wind resistance is ideal. You need the best chance you can get to fight against catching a cold during these times. Hats, mittens, and insulated gloves will assist with the fight, Scarfs, neck tubes or facemasks will also give you some help. Think about it as the fight against the flu and these are your best defense.
For your feet, it should be warm and waterproof footwear. Your shoe's bottom needs to be non-slip ( griddles or grip patterns on the bottom of the shoes). During the winter it is essential to cover all exposed skin or as much as possible. Remember, your extremities such as ears, toes, nose, and fingers lose heat faster than anywhere else.
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