Stay safe during winter weather

How winter weather affects your health

Winter conditions can be dangerous and may increase risks of illness when outdoors, including hypothermia and frostbite, or risks of serious injury due to slipping or falling.  
People at higher risk during winter weather: 

• Older adults (65 years or older) and children younger than one year old 
• People with disabilities
• People with limited mobility
• People with pre-existing illnesses or taking certain medications
• People experiencing homelessness
• Outdoor workers
• People living in housing with no heat or power
• People who use substances, including alcohol

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  Frostbite symptoms

  Skin:

  • Becomes painful, tingly, or numb
  • Turns red and then pale
  • Becomes cold, hard, or waxy 
  • Becomes discoloured or turns black
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  Hypothermia symptoms

  • Shivering
  • Lack of coordination
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Confusion
  • Unusual behavior or impaired judgement
  • Rapid breathing and pulse

  Information on cold temperature exposure from HealthLink BC External website, opens in new tab

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  Stay safe outside

  • Dress for the conditions.
  • Be aware of snow and ice that can cause slips or falls.
    • To prevent slips and falls:
      • Walk on cleared walkways if there is ice and snow on the ground.  
      • Use boots or shoes that fit well and have a thick, non-slip tread sole. 
      • Use a cane, ski poles, or walking sticks to help with balance.   
      • Lend a hand to neighbours who cannot shovel their own walks and consider becoming a snow angel volunteer.  
  • Limit time outdoors during extreme cold or snowfall.
  • Visit a warming centre or public spaces like community centres or public libraries.
  • Stay home when it snows. If you must travel:
    • Plan ahead by sticking to priority routes
      • Priority routes do not include residential side streets or sidewalks adjacent to non-City owned property and laneways (unless required for our collection operations).
    • Review road conditions and transit information.
    • Check live weather conditions on our traffic cameras
    • If you are driving, give way to, or stay at a safe distance when following a truck that is plowing, salting, or brining the road.
    • Have an emergency kit in your vehicle External website, opens in new tab
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  Stay safe at home

  The best way to stay safe in the winter is to reduce your exposure to cold outdoor weather and keep yourself warm and dry. 

  Plan ahead on how you will safely keep your home warm:

  • Stay up-to-date on changing weather conditions and check weather from Environment Canada External website, opens in new tab or local media outlets.
  • Close doors, curtains and blinds, or hang a sheet or blanket over windows in homes to reduce heat loss.
  • Prioritize heating the areas of your home that you are using. 
  • Use heating appliances and candles carefully. Always place heating appliances or candles on a sturdy surface and keep them away from flammable items, fabrics, and furniture. Never leave appliances or candles unattended.
  • Plug in appliances safely to avoid electrical fires. Inspect plugs and cords for damage or defects and do not overload plugs or extension cords. Learn more on how to prevent electrical fires
  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use generators, barbecues, propane heaters, or homemade campfires indoors. Ensure your carbon monoxide alarm is functioning. Learn more about carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
  • Check or restock your emergency supplies, including emergency supplies in your vehicle.
  • Prepare for power outages or other emergencies by having a plan and checking and restocking emergency supplies, including emergency supplies in your vehicle.

  Important note Check on others frequently to ensure they are warm and safe, especially older adults and vulnerable neighbours. 

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  Stay safe around frozen lakes and ponds

  Ice safety is unpredictable. There is no way of knowing how thick the ice is, whether it can support your weight, or how cold, deep, and fast-moving the water beneath it might be. 

  Stay safe by:

  • Staying back from the edge 
    • Keep a safe distance from the edge and always supervise children to ensure they don’t go onto the ice.
    • Fallen leaves and snow can hide the water’s boundary and cause slippery surfaces.
  • Checking for safety signage
    • These signs are there to warn you of hazards you may not be aware of. 
  • Keeping your dog(s) off frozen lakes and ponds
    • Dogs should be leashed near water, even in off leash areas, as they will be eager to chase birds that sit on the ice.
    • Do not throw balls or sticks for them near ice. 
    • Never go on the ice to rescue a dog. Call 911.

  If you fall through the ice

  • Yell for help.
  • Reach and grab onto the ice.
  • Kick hard and push your stomach onto the ice.
  • Roll away like a log from the hole to evenly distribute your weight. 
  • Do not get up to walk to shore.
  • If you can’t get yourself out, hang onto the ice and keep yelling until help comes.

  If you see someone fall through the ice

  • Call 911.
  • Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.
  • Yell out the self rescue steps to the person.
  • Continue watching and talking to the person until helps arrives.

  In an emergency, call 911 and give them calm and accurate information about the situation and location.