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Blizzards

Blizzards come in on a wave of cold Arctic air, bringing snow, bitter cold, high winds and poor visibility.

In Canada, blizzards are most common in the southern Prairies, the Maritimes and the Eastern Arctic. On average, the storms and cold of winter kill more than 100 people every year. That is more than the total number of people killed by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, lightning, and extreme heat.

Rural Areas

If you're one of the many Islanders that live in rural areas where blizzards can be a frequent occurrence, you may want to consider stocking up on heating fuel, ready-to-eat food as well as battery-powered flashlights and radios (and extra batteries).

When a blizzard is forecast, leave your radio on. If you are on a farm with livestock, bring the animals into the barn. Make sure they have plenty of water and food. You may also want to string a lifeline between your house and any outbuildings which you may have to go to during the storm.

When a blizzard hits, stay indoors. If you must go to the outbuildings, dress for the weather. Outer clothing should be tightly woven and water-repellent. The jacket should have a hood. Wear mittens - they are warmer than gloves, and a hat - as most body heat is lost through the head.

In wide open areas, visibility can be virtually zero. You may easily lose your way. If a blizzard strikes, do not try to walk to another building unless there is a rope to guide you or something you can follow.

In Your Car

As a rule, it is a good idea to keep your gas tank almost full during the winter and to have extra windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze on hand. You may want to put together two small emergency kits - one to put in the trunk of your car and the other in the cab of the car. The trunk kit should include:

shovel, sand, or salt or kitty litter
tow chain and booster cables
fire extinguisher, warning light or flares
extra clothing, including mittens, hats and boots.

The kit in the cab of the car should include:

flashlight
blanket
first aid kit
water
matches, candles (in a deep can to warm hands or heat a drink) and emergency food pack.

If you do not already have a cellular telephone - and if they work in your area - you may want to consider having one in your car for emergencies.

If you must travel during a snow storm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time.

If your car gets stuck in a blizzard, remain calm and stay in your car. Keep fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side - away from the wind. You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half hour if the exhaust system is working well. Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked with snow. (Remember - you can't smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.)

Finally, to keep your hands and feet warm exercise them periodically. In general, it is a good idea to keep moving to avoid falling asleep. If you do try to shovel the snow from around your car avoid over-exerting yourself as shovelling and bitter cold can kill. Keep watch for traffic or searchers.