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 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