Are You Ready To Survive A Winter Storm?

Preparations BEFORE THE STORM are the most important safety factors in the winter season to keep you and your family safe. As snow, reduced visibility and other climatic variables occur in the winter, this prevents you from being able to move around to get supplies. Thus making sure you have the necessary supplies and tools is something that should be done before the storm arrives. Most home-heating systems depend on electric power. To prepare for a power failure, you may consider installing a non-electric standby stove or heater. Choose approved heating units that do not depend on an electric motor, electric fan or other electric device to function. If the standby heating unit uses the normal house oil or gas supply, ensure that it is connected and vented properly.

Quick Links

•     BC Highway Web Cams
•     Canadian Avalanche Centre Bulletins
•     Current Weather Warnings for the Fraser Valley
•         Special Weather Statements for BC
•         Weatheradio Canada
•     Drive BC - Major Events and Conditions
•     Kat Kam  - Collection of Web Cams and Photos  NEW!
•     River Forecast Centre - Advisories and Warnings

To check road conditions for BC while in BC or anywhere in North America, please phone the

no-fee DriveBC automated phone service at:    1-800-550-4997

WINTER STORMS ARE CONSIDERED DECEPTIVE KILLERS .....

BECAUSE MOST DEATHS ARE INDIRECTLY RELATED TO THE STORM

           People die in traffic accidents on icy roads.

           People die of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.

Winter Deaths

Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual threat to you depends on your specific situation.

Recent observations indicate the following:

Related to ice and snow:

• About 70% occur in automobiles.
• About 25% are people caught out in the storm.

Related to exposure to cold:

• 50% are people over 60 years old.
• Over 75% are males.
• About 20% occur in the home.

FROSTBITE

Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by that tissue being frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly re-warm affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.

HYPOTHERMIA: LOW BODY TEMPERATURE

Warning signs - uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.

Detection - Take the person's temperature. If below 95F (35C),immediately seek medical care! If medical care is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Warm the body core first. If needed, use your own body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first! This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.

WIND CHILL

The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.

AVOID OVEREXERTION, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.

Winter Precipitation

Snow . . .

FLURRIES - Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.

SHOWERS - Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.

SQUALLS - Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.

BLOWING SNOW - Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.

BLIZZARD - Winds over 35 mph with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero.

SLEET - Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.

FREEZING RAIN - Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

BLACK ICE is ice frozen without many air bubbles trapped inside, making it transparent. Black ice takes the color of the material it lies on top of, often wet asphalt or a darkened pond. Its difficult-to-detect nature makes it a significant hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses can be especially dangerous. Black ice forms first on bridges and overpasses because air can circulate both above and below the surface of the elevated roadway, causing the temperature to drop more rapidly than on regular pavement.

BE PREPARED!!

KEEP AHEAD OF THE STORM by listening to Weather Radio, commercial radio,

and television for the latest winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories.

What to Listen For...

The three types of weather alerts include:

Special Weather Statements are issued for weather events that are unusual, cause general inconvenience or public concern and cannot adequately be described in a weather forecast. Special weather statements may be issued daily in summer to describe where thunderstorms are expected or occurring, or may reflect a warning in effect near our borders. These statements are updated as needed.

Watches provides a “heads-up” that conditions are favorable for a possible summer or winter storm. This storm could affect your safety or at the least cause inconvenience, but at this time there is uncertainty about the track and strength of the system. A watch in the summer may be issued up to six hours before the event and in the case of winter events at least 12 to 24 hours in advance. Stay tuned for updates. This is the time to develop a plan in the event that the watch is upgraded to a warning, as conditions become more certain.

Warnings alert you when severe weather is occurring or will occur. Activation of a specific warning takes into consideration local needs. Warnings are issued ideally when severe weather is expected to affect land-based communities within at least six to as much as 24 hours. Storms related to thunderstorms offer shorter advance notification and may be issued less than one hour in advance. Updated statements are reissued at least every six to eight hours or as needed, so you can stay up to date on the developing situation. More than one type of warning for a location can be in effect. Warning services are more limited or may not be available in remote or unpopulated areas. When a warning is issued it is time to put any plans into action.

   A High Stream flow Advisory means that river levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

   A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bank full. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

   A Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bank full or will exceed bank full imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.

Emergency Preparedness

Are YOU Ready?

• If you had 15 minutes to evacuate, what would you take? Where would you go?
• What if you were isolated at home? Could you survive at least 3 days without heat, power, running water, or telephone services, and with only the supplies you have on hand?
• What if a disaster struck while you were at work?
• What if a child or elderly member of your family was home alone?
• What if you were separated from your family? How would you find them?

Everyone needs to think about these things before a disaster occurs. Coping with a disaster is much more difficult and dangerous if you're not prepared. Some people don't take disaster preparedness seriously because they don't think it will ever happen to them. If it does, they assume there's nothing they can do about it. The truth is, disasters can happen any time, anywhere. The better prepared you are, the better off you'll be. Disaster preparedness isn't just a case of preparing for the worst; it's being prepared to do your best when it matters most.

During an emergency, services of all sorts could be disrupted. Stores, gas stations, etc. may be closed. Roads may be blocked and help not available for some time. You could be on your own for perhaps days. A properly prepared and maintained Emergency Supply Kit can be the key to bringing you and your family through a major disaster.

The kit should contain everything your family needs for self sufficiency for at least 72 hours. Some stores sell more or less complete kits, but they can be put together an item at a time. When assembling the food items for your home emergency kit, choose foods that:

• Do not need refrigeration (such as canned tuna, beans)
• Need little or no preparation
• Are familiar foods
• Will not increase thirst
• Require little or no water

Water is the most important item to choose. You will need 4 liters (1 gal) per person per day. Water may be purified by boiling or using bleach but bottled water is the best.

Ensure that you have your families medications, (with the Drug Identification numbers if you have to refill them) and food for your pets.

OUTDOOR SURVIVAL

The Six Survival Rules

   1. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. If you move from one area to another, advise someone.

   2. Never go on an outing by yourself.

   3. Take enough food for several days for possible emergency use.

   4. Take a compass and map of the area and know how to use them. Before leaving, orient yourself to the area.

   5. Wear proper clothing and equipment. Weather conditions can change quickly.

   6. Plan you outing so that you may return to camp before dark. If you find yourself stranded/lost outdoors, you can depend on these three things: Clothing/equipment you have with you. Your ability to use whatever survival, knowledge and skills you possess. Your mental attitude - confidence in yourself, plus the desire to survive no matter how difficult circumstances may become.

STOP . . . when lost

   STOP where you are. Stop, relax and regain your composure.

   THINK - use your brain; it is your best survival tool. Make sure you have a clear head before making any decisions.

   OBSERVE your surroundings, your equipment and your physical condition. Identify the factors which most affect your possible survival and consider solutions.

   PLAN a course of action. Consider all factors, adopt a plan which best utilizes your skill, knowledge, equipment and your physical and metal state. Prevent and care for physical injuries, protect yourself from the elements (shelter and fire construction), prevent exposure, acquire water and prepare signals for attracting rescuers.

When CAUGHT in a Winter Storm...

OUTSIDE . . .

Find shelter:  Try to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.

No shelter:

 Prepare a lean-to, wind-break, or snow cave for protection from the wind.

Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.

Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.

Do not eat snow: It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

IN A CAR OR TRUCK . . .

Stay in your car or truck! Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold. Conserve vehicle fuel, run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm, crack a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In extreme cold, use seat covers, newspapers, blankets, or extra clothing for covering - anything to provide additional insulation and warmth. Turn the dome light on so rescue teams can spot you at night, but do not run down the battery.

DO NOT SET OUT ON FOOT! Stay inside your vehicle, rescuers are most likely to find you there.

Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.

Make yourself visible to rescuers:

turn on the dome light at night when running engine. tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door.

raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.

Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

AT HOME OR IN A BUILDING . . .

• Stay inside.
• When using ALTERNATIVE HEAT from a fireplace, wood stove.
• use fire safeguards.
• properly ventilate.
• Camp stoves, Barbeques, Propane or Kerosene Heaters, Outdoor and Charcoal barbecues should NEVER be used indoors. They are a fire and safety hazard, and can emit deadly carbon monoxide.
• Most natural gas fireplaces will operate without a power source.
• close off unneeded rooms.
• stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• cover windows at night.
• If the power outage is prolonged and pipes are in danger of freezing, turn off the main water valve and drain the line by running taps. Put plumbing antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks and bathtub drains.
• Turn off and drain your hot water heater by connecting a hose to the drainage tap of the tank.
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.

ON THE FARM . . .

• Move animals to sheltered areas.
• Shelter belts, properly laid out and oriented, are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.
• Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
• Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration.

In the event of an evacuation . . .

• Turn off the main breaker or switch of the circuit-breaker panel or power-supply box.
• Turn off the water main where it enters the house. Protect the valve, inlet pipe, and meter or pump with blankets or insulation material.
• Drain the water from your plumbing system. Starting at the top of the house, open all taps, and flush toilets several times. Go to the basement and open the drain valve.
• Drain your hot water tank by attaching a hose to the tank drain valve and running it to the basement floor drain. (If you drain a gas-fired water tank, the pilot light should be turned out - the local gas supplier should be called to re-light it.)
• Unhook washing machine hoses and drain.
• Add a small amount of glycol or antifreeze to water left in the toilet bowl, and the sink and bathtub traps.
• Clear valuables from the basement floor in case of flooding.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio for detailed instructions from your municipality.

After the power returns . . .

• If the main electric switch was turned off, check to ensure appliances, electric heaters, TVs, microwave ovens and computers are unplugged to prevent damage from a power surge when the power is restored.
• Do not enter a flooded basement unless you are sure the power is disconnected.
• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until they have been checked and cleaned by a qualified technician.
• Switch on the main electric switch.
• Turn the thermostats up first, and then reconnect the fridge and stove a few minutes later.
• Close the drain valve in the basement.
• Turn on the water supply. Close lowest valves/taps first and allow air to escape from upper taps.
• Make sure the hot water heater is filled before turning on the power to it.
• Rinse out dishwasher and washing machine if necessary.
• Check food supplies for spoilage

Travel In Adverse Weather Conditions

Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm!

If you don't have to go, don't - if you do - be PREPARED!

Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Winterize your car before winter arrives by checking               the following:

Antifreeze - Keep engine coolant at the proper levels as this protects against freezing and corrosion. Change the coolant as recommended by the car's manufacturer.

Battery - Test to make sure it is in good working condition to provide ample power for cold winter starts. Brakes - Worn brakes require longer stopping distances and can pull the car to one side when stopping. A mechanic can check your brakes and make necessary repairs.

• Emergency Supplies - At a minimum, your car should be equipped with a flashlight, blanket, sand or salt and a snow/ice scraper.
• Exhaust System - Fumes from a leaky exhaust system can quickly become fatal. Remember, never run the motor in your garage.
• Heater and Defroster - In proper working condition, these will keep passengers comfortable and the windshield free of ice and condensation.
• Oil - Change your oil using a winter grade oil for easier starting.
• Tires - Worn tires lose their grip on slippery roads. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread. All-weather tires or snow tires are recommended for most areas. For Mountain Travel, carry chains.
• Wipers and Windshield Fluid - Ensure good visibility by replacing worn wiper blades or installing winter blades. Keep washer reservoir filled with specially formulated antifreeze solution for windshields.
• Fuel - keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Keep your car clean - Chemicals, salt and gravel used for de-icing roads can be extremely corrosive to your car. Clean regularly with plain water to reduce the harmful effects of these agents.

Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT in Your Vehicle

• Blankets/sleeping bags/emergency blankets
• Booster cables
• Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag, Reflective sign or Glow Sticks for night
• Candles in a deep can and matches
• Cans: Large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes and a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking
• Cash and Change (ATM's will not work during a Power Failure)
• Compass and road maps
• Extra clothing to keep dry (including hat, socks and mitts, not gloves)
• First-aid kit with manual and seat belt cutter
• Flashlight (Wind-up flashlight) and Portable Radio with extra batteries
• High-calorie, non-perishable food and bottled water (the recommended amount is 2 liters per person per day - remember to adjust quantity for the number of passengers - for long road trips or when traveling through mountain areas, prepare for 72 hours)
• List of important family information: physician numbers, style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers
• Sack of sand (or cat litter)
• Shovel
• Signal flares, matches
• Spare medical prescriptions
• Tire repair Kit, pump and basic tool kit
• Tow rope
• Utility Knife
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Whistle - in case you need to attract attention
• If applicable: baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, clothing, blankets, diaper wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
• If applicable: food, water, toys and restraint (leash or carrier) for pets
• Remember to adjust quantity for the number of passengers!   

Click Here to Print List - PDF

If you MUST drive in adverse conditions, take the following precautions:

• Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person. Try not to travel alone.
• Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes and plan long trips carefully.
• Take a cell phone/Ham radio/CB for emergency purposes if you become stuck/broke down or in trouble.
• Listen to the radio, listen for the latest road conditions and use road condition information available on this site.
• DRESS TO FIT THE SEASON. Wear loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air insulates. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Wear a hat. Half your body heat loss can be from the head. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Try to stay dry.
• Carry food and water. Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.
• Allow extra time to reach your destination when driving on slick winter roads. Slow down and avoid making sudden moves - no fast turns, no quick acceleration and no hard breaking. If you don't have time to slow down, when will you have time for an accident?
• Bridges and overpasses freeze before road surfaces. Freezing air circulating above and below the bridge causes ice to form more rapidly than on a surface that has freezing air above and warmer ground below.
• Allow additional stopping distance on any road that is not dry by doubling the Four-Second Rule. This rule teaches new drivers safe driving distances - when the rear bumper of the car ahead passes any designated spot, make sure you reach the same spot in four seconds or more. Doubling or even tripling this safety measure is especially wise during winter driving but can be practiced throughout the year.
• Visibility is an important factor for safe driving during a winter storm. Keep your lights on and clear the windshield of accumulations of ice and snow if necessary.
• Know what to do if you skid on ice or get stuck in snow. Counter steer to regain control in a skid. Steer the car in the same direction that the rear wheels are sliding. If the rear wheels slide to the right, turn the front wheels right and vice versa. Do not spin your wheels when stuck on ice or in snow. Instead, remove snow from the area around the tire, if necessary, and spread sand or salt under the drive wheel to regain traction.
• Drive with your headlights on and don’t just rely on automatic daytime running lights. Having your headlights on also turns on your taillights making it easier for you to be seen by trailing vehicles.

How to Prepare for a Winter Power Failure

   Freezing rain, sleet storms or high winds can damage power lines and result in outages which may last anywhere from a few hours to several days. The following precautions can reduce the harmful effects and potential damage of power failure on your home.

   Precautions:

       Install a non-electric standby stove or heater. Use only fuel-burning heaters certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Canadian Gas Association.

       Clean the flue on your wood-burning fireplace in preparation for home heating, and keep a good supply of wood on hand.

       If someone in your house relies on electrically powered life-sustaining equipment, register with your electric supply authority and your community emergency program.

Keep an emergency survival kit that consists of the following items:

•  Non-perishable food and water
•  Flashlights, batteries (avoid candles, which can be a fire hazard)
•  Fuel stove and fuel
•  Blankets and warm clothing
•  Battery-operated radio
•  Stock a portable survival kit.

   In the event of a power failure:

•  Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment and turn the thermostat down to minimum. This will prevent injury, damage or fire upon restoration of power. As well, power can be restored more easily to an area when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.
•  Leave one light switch on, so you know when power is restored.
•  Don't open your fridge or freezer, unless absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
•  DO NOT use charcoal or gas barbeques, camping heating equipment or home generators indoors. They can give off carbon monoxide, which can cause serious health problems, even death.
•         If you have a backup heating unit, turn it on before the house gets too cold. If using a home generator, the installation should only be done by a qualified technician.

Storm Facts

       Environment Canada Warnings are issued ideally when severe weather is expected to affect land-based communities within at least 6 to as much as 24 hours. Storms related to thunderstorms offer shorter advance notification and may be issued less than one hour in advance.

       When shoveling after a big snowstorm, don't over exert yourself - 40cm of heavy wet snow on an average driveway weighs weighs more than 12 tonnes.

       If you suffer damage from a storm, the maximum financial assistance you may receive from the federal and provincial governments is $50,000.00. Eligible costs are determined in strict accordance with the criteria laid out in the Federal Government's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.

       On average, the storms and cold of winter kill more than 100 Canadians every year, more than the total number of people killed by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, lightning and extreme heat combined. The most common types of winter storms cause freezing rain, heavy snow, blowing snow and blizzards.

       Driving Safety Tip: remember that a thin layer of snow offers less traction than a few centimetres.

       Safety Tip: High wind in combination with heavy rain or snow can increase the risk of tree limb breakage or trees uprooting. Check your property for dead branches. Around 60 to 70 km/h you will have difficulty with balance and walking against the wind. Twigs and small branches blow off trees.

       Safety Tip: There is a risk of frostbite in less than 10 minutes when the wind chill is near -40.

IMPORTANT Links

•  BC HYDRO To report an outage or electrical emergency, call 1-888-POWERON (1-888 769-3766) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your cell phone.

•  Power outages in your area - Check for outages and status in your area
•  Outage Info on Your Mobile

•  BCSA - British Columbia Safety Authority
•  Emergency Resources - In the Fraser Valley
•  Environment Canada Meteorological Service

•  Regional Weather Forecasts
•  Weather Radio
•  Weather and Meteorology
•  Weather Warnings
•  YouTube Video Channel

•  ICBC

•  RoadSense Tips

•  PEP - Provincial Emergency Program

•  Community Flood Preparedness Tool Kit  Downloadable Fact Sheets
•  Emergency Preparedness - Weather Information
•  Emergency Preparedness - Information Links
•  Family Emergency Preparedness Kits
•  Personal Flood Preparedness and Prevention PDF file
•  People with Disabilities Hazard Preparedness For People and Pets

•  DRIVE BC

•  Traveller Information System

•  Fortis Gas

•  Safety at Home and Work

Some of the information you will find on websites are only available in a PDF format.  If you cannot open the document, you may have an old version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. This program  is available free of charge by going to www.adobe.com and selecting the  Get Adobe Reader button.

Disclaimer: This site contains links to other 3rd party sites and although we have made attempts to make sure these links are currently active but do not assure any responsibility for the content of these websites. We highly recommend that you review the policies of these websites as well. We do not and will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, including but not limited to, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data or other intangible losses (even if advised of the possibility of such damages), resulting from the use or the inability to use the information contained on this web page. It contains general reference information and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with a qualified, technician.

 You Are Visitor #                        Since December 1st, 2007

    Image Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved.    

   Web Design by ChoiceZ           Site Hosting by Mediast

Winter Storms . . . the Deceptive Killers