Blizzards and winter hazards
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.
Created :
2002-08-22
Modified :
2002-12-18
Reviewed :
2002-12-18
Url of this page : http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca /cd/brochures/blizzard_e.cfm
The Green LaneTM, Environment Canada's World Wide Web Site.
|