Safety Radar: Winter Weather

Winter can be a hazard if you do not take precautions due to colder weather. Every year, more than 100 people die in Canada due to winter storms and excessive cold.
  • Health & Wellness
  • Safety & Security

Winter Hazards

  • Whenever temperatures drop dramatically below normal, staying warm and safe can become challenging… especially for those who may be new to the region and not used to changing weather.
  • Winter weather conditions in Northern BC can quickly become dangerous with little or no warning.
  • Frost bite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues when exposed to cold temperatures.
  • A normal body temperature is approximately 37ºC. When your core body temperature drops by 1 or 2ºC or your body is exposed to severe cold, your risk of harmful effects increases.

Taking Preventative Action

  • Ensure to dress warmly when you go outside during cold weather.
  • Wear layers of clothing with a wind-resistant outer layer.
  • You can remove layers if you get too warm before you start sweating or add a layer if you get cold.
  • Wear warm socks, gloves, hat and scarf.
  • Please buy foot wear that’s best suited to ice and snow.
  • In extremely cold conditions, cover as much exposed skin as possible.
  • If you get wet, change into dry clothing right away; you lose heat faster when you are wet.
  • Check the Environment and Climate Change Canada weather forecast before you go outside.

Watch for wind chill or extremely cold temperatures and stay indoors if you can. 

References

Have Questions?

Contact Safety & Security Services
E: safetyandsecurity@cnc.bc.ca