WESTLOCK – Dress for the weather, regardless of how far you have to travel.
That’s the simple advice offered by Westlock RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Baird Feb. 11 following a week that included a handful of days that featured sub – 40 C weather across the region.
The RCMP themselves are equipped with cold-weather gear to deal with the extreme temperatures, said Baird, as well as a radio system that keeps them in constant contact with the detachment. With that in mind he recommends people always carry emergency kits that contain blankets, additional safety gear and even extra clothes and blankets.
“A candle can warm up an interior of a vehicle, although that can carry some risk as it is an open flame,” said Baird. “Even things like road safety stuff like road triangles, electronic flares and cellphone chargers can save a life.”
But the biggest tip is to dress for the cold, Baird said, as people can get lulled into a false sense of security when making short trips. He said it’s also worthwhile to let your spouse or friends know where you’re going and when you’re coming back as when it’s this cold even minutes in these conditions can be deadly.
“A lot of people say they’re only going from the house to the car and then to the store and back. But what if they break down and the car won’t start? It doesn’t take long to freeze if you have to walk two or three miles in this weather with the wind chill if you’re wearing running shoes and a light jacket,” he said.
“Dress for a breakdown. It’s like the old saying about motorcycles, dress for the fall, not the ride — wearing a helmet, a safety jacket and pants will protect you in a fall on a bike versus wearing shorts and T-shirt.”
Cellphones do provide a measure of safety for stranded motorists, although as Baird pointed out service in rural areas can sometimes be spotty.
“There are bad spots, especially north of town here. Cellphones are a bit of security blanket, but even if you have cell service you need to be able to stay warm if you’re broken down and are waiting for someone to show up.”
