As winter approaches in Manitoba, preparedness is vital. Anticipating and understanding the conditions ahead of time can turn the winter experience into a manageable, safe, and enjoyable winter season.

Risk awareness:

• Maintain awareness by monitoring information shared by your local authority.
• Stay informed about weather conditions by monitoring local news and weather forecasts. Pay special attention to wind chill advisories.
• Check road conditions before you go out by calling Manitoba Highways at 511 or by visiting their webpage.

Planning and education:

• Consider adding the following items to your Emergency Go Kits and/or Home Emergency Supplies: cold weather sleeping bag(s) and reflective mylar blanket(s).
• Develop and practice your family emergency plan.
• Have a plan for evacuating pets and livestock.
• Learn how to dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer.
• Wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, scarf, neckband, or face mask to keep your face warm.
• Choose warm, waterproof footwear that covers as much exposed skin as possible in severe cold.

Property protection strategies:

• Check with your insurance company for extreme cold related coverage.
• Hire a professional to inspect and maintain your heating system.
• Inspect and reinforce your roof for signs of damage or weak spots.
• Install weather stripping around doors and windows. This prevents cold air from entering.
• Insulate your pipes to prevent freezing. Focus on pipes in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces (the space between the ground and the first floor of your home), and garages.

Review the Natural Disaster Preparation Residential Checklist for more tips on how to protect your home.

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Now that you are dressed appropriately for the Manitoba winter, it is important to recognize the signs your body sends when exposed to extreme cold. Understanding hypothermia and frostbite is critical. Shivering, confusion, and loss of muscle control are all signs of hypothermia and require immediate attention.

Stay Informed:

• Listen to local radio, television, or other official news sources.
• Pay close attention to updates and warnings.
• Be prepared to evacuate or shelter in place at any time. Have your Emergency Go Kits or Home Emergency Supplies on hand.

Health and Safety:

• Follow instructions from your local authority.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Especially in vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.
• Regularly check on elderly relatives and neighbours to make sure they are warm and well cared for.
• Move out of the wind during significant wind chills and limit exposure outdoors.
• Avoid wet clothing. It quickly cools the body.

Hypothermia response:

• Recognize symptoms such as shivering, confusion, and loss of muscle control.
• If you or another person is affected, find a warm space immediately.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Lay yourself or the affected person down gently. Remove wet clothing.

Frostbite response:

• Be aware of severe frostbite, where the skin appears white and waxy.
• If you or another person is affected, find a warm space immediately.
• Avoid rubbing the area. Seek immediate medical attention, and gradually warm the area.

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When the cold snap ends, it is time to reflect and rebuild. If your emergency supplies were used during the cold snap, you may want to restock them. Staying ahead of the cold weather curve ensures a proactive approach that allows you to consistently navigate and overcome winter's challenges.

Stay Alert:

• Stay informed about weather conditions and avoid going outside if low temperatures persist.

Property evaluation:

• Inspect your home for signs of leaks or water damage. Particularly in walls, ceilings, pipes, or floors. If you find any, fix them quickly.
• Make sure your heating system is working optimally.

Future preparation:

• Replace used items in your Emergency Go Kits and Home Emergency Supplies.
• Set annual reminders to review and update your home emergency plan and emergency kits.

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