Brochures

Blizzards and winter hazards

• Precautions
• Winter driving precautions
• Stay under wraps

The Saskatchewan blizzard of February 1947 was one of the worst in Canadian history. The storm raged for 10 days. A train was buried in a snowdrift 1 km long and 8 m deep. Snow blocked all highways into Regina, plus the streets in every southern Saskatchewan town. Supplies of fuel, food and feed ran dangerously low. Outside Moose Jaw, a farmer cut a hole in his barn roof; it was the only way he could get in to milk his cows.

Blizzards come roaring in on a wave of frigid arctic air, and bring snow, low temperatures, strong winds and poor visibility due to blowing snow. These severe storms last three or more hours.

In Canada, blizzards are most common in the southern prairies, Atlantic Canada and the eastern Arctic, and are rare in the western Northwest Territories, British Columbia and the Yukon. Winter storms and excessive cold claim more than 100 lives every year in Canada, more than the combined toll from hurricanes, tornadoes, flood, extreme heat and lightning.

Precautions

Be prepared: stock up on heating fuel and ready-to-eat food, as well as battery-powered flashlights and a radio. Check the weather forecast before embarking on a trip or outdoor activity. When a blizzard hits, stay indoors and wait it out.

If you must go outside, to avoid getting lost in the blinding snow, tie one end of a long rope to your house, and grasp the other end firmly.

When shovelling after the storm, don't overexert yourself. This job is hard work: 40 cm of heavy, wet snow on a driveway measuring 15 by 4 m weighs more than 12 tonnes.

Winter driving precautions

Don't take risks. Drive slowly and carefully. Turn back or seek refuge if the going gets tough. Keep to main roads. Travel by daylight and with a companion. Let someone know your itinerary, including departure and arrival times and route. Monitor the weather report on the radio. Keep the gas tank full and carry a winter travel kit in your car at all times: shovel, sand, salt, tow chain, flashlight, compass, warning light or road flares, extra clothing and footwear, emergency food pack, axe or hatchet, booster cables, ice scraper and brush, road maps, first-aid kit, matches, candle, fire extinguisher, antifreeze, and blanket.

If your car gets stuck in a blizzard:

• Don't panic. Stay in your car--you won't get lost and you'll have shelter.
• Avoid over-exertion and exposure. Shovelling and bitter cold can kill.
• Keep fresh air in your car. Open a window on the sheltered side, away from the wind. Run your motor sparingly. Remember that overuse of headlights may run down your battery.
• Beware of exhaust fumes; check the exhaust pipe frequently to ensure it's not becoming blocked with snow.
• Exercise your limbs, hands and feet vigorously. Keep moving and don't fall asleep. Keep watch for traffic or searchers.

Stay under wraps

If you must go outdoors during a blizzard, dress to suit the weather. Outer clothing should be hooded, tightly woven, and water-repellant. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Thin layers of loose-fitting clothing will trap body heat while aiding air circulation.

Because most body heat is lost through the head, it is important to wear a hat. If it is extremely cold, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.

Watch for signs of hypothermia, which is particularly threatening to the very young and elderly. Hypothermia is an internal body temperature drop such that body processes slow to the point that they can no longer generate as much heat as is being lost. Hypothermia can be fatal. Symptoms are confusion, slurred speech, stiff muscles, or uncontrollable shivering. If symptoms occur, get medical assistance immediately.

This document is published by authority of the Minister of the Environment. Copyright Minister of Supply and Services Canada 1995. Catalogue number En57-24/26-1995E. ISSN 0715-0040. ISBN 0-662-23132-5.

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