Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Cold Weather safety

necprclass.com

1) Listen to the weather forecast

  • Check the Environment Canada weather forecast before going out.
  • Listen for a wind chill warning. Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected.
  • Visit Environment Canada's new Weather and Meteorology website: http://ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/
Weather forecasts are available through radio and TV broadcasts, Environment Canada's Weatheradio service, and online at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.

2) Plan ahead

  • Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it's very cold, or when the wind chill is significant. For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.

3) Dress warmly

  • Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.
  • When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.
  • Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.

4) Seek shelter

  • When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

5) Stay dry

  • Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
  • Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

6) Keep active

  • Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

7) Be aware

  • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (see below).
  • Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy. They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
  • The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.

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