Extreme Cold

Emergency Prep

• Create a household emergency plan
• Prepare a home, work, vehicle and school 72 hour emergency kit in case you need to evacuate or shelter-in-place
• Take first aid and emergency preparedness workshops
• Download the Alertable app and sign up for emergency notifications
• Monitor Environment Canada weather alerts
• Be prepared in the event of a power outage.

Home & Vehicle Prep

• Winterize your home by ensuring proper insulation of walls and attics, clearn gutters, and check your roof for damage
• Get your vehicle winter ready and in good repair, learn about safe winter driving, add emergency supplies to your vehicle, and keep your gas tank at least half full

Warm Shelter

• If possible stay indoors. If you're sleeping outside or know someone who is, visit cnv.org/Homelessness for shelter information.
• If you must go outdoors during extremely cold temperatures:
  • Dress appropriately. Thin layers of loose fitting clothing will trap body heat while aiding air circulation. Outer clothing should be hooded, tightly woven, and water repellent. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat to prevent heat loss. If it's extremely cold, cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
  • Limit your time out and watch out for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Symptoms are shivering, confusion, and loss of muscular control; if symptoms occur, seek medical assistance immediately. Check out HealthLinkBC for information on cold temperature exposure.
  • Be cautious when walking on icy streets as there's a high risk of slipping and injuries.
  • Pay attention to wind chill. Frostbite becomes an increasing threat to humans and animals. Wet skin or wet clothing in direct contact with skin increases the effective wind chill.
  • Be careful when shovelling. Vigorous exercise and cold temperatures can cause high blood pressure and accelerated heart rates. Take breaks, shovel with a buddy, warm up your muscles before you start, don't shovel right after you eat, and check with your doctor if you suffer from a particular condition.
• If you need shelter and warmth:
• Lookout Society lists Extreme Weather Response Shelters on the North Shore.
• North Vancouver City Library offers a warm refuge during open hours.
• North Shore Homelessness Task Force has a resource map and list and a Keeping Safe resource card which list available services on the North Shore.

Power Outages

• Contact BC Hydro to report a power outage.
• If the power is out, keep warm by layering clothes that cover your head, hands, and feet. Close off all rooms not in use. NEVER use gas ranges or propane heaters for indoor heating or cooking, as carbon monoxide gas can build up and cause suffocation.
• If you see lines or poles down, or see any sparks, flames or smoke, call 911 immediately. Keep back a minimum of 10 metres (33 feet) from the wires or anything in contact with them, and warn others of the danger. Always assume that the lines are energized.
• Tune into your local media (on your battery operated/wind up radio if the power is out) for up-to-date information.
• If the power is out and the temperatures have dropped, allow your faucets to drip a little to avoid freezing pipes.

Trees & Branches

• If a storm has been particularly severe and snow and ice have accumulated, tree branches can become heavier and suddenly break and fall.
• Stay a safe distance from a tree that's in contact with utility lines and call 911 to report downed power lines.

Travelling

• Drive only if it's absolutely necessary. If you must drive, check current road conditions, travel by daylight with a buddy if possible, keep others informed of your schedule, stay on main roads, and avoid back road shortcuts.
• Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Top up your windshield washer fluid, have a full tank of gas, carry a windshield scraper and snowbrush, and bring a shovel and traction assists such as sand or kitty litter. All-season tires designated by the M&S (mud and snow) on their tire wall will perform better than summer tires, but winter tires (designated by a snowflake symbol) are highly recommended and are legally required on some routes.
• If you must travel alone, make sure someone knows your route, and your departure and expected arrival times. Be sure to notify them when you arrive.