The County of Grande Prairie is encouraging residents to be mindful of what to do if they find themselves in a predicament this winter.
Winter weather, especially in Grande Prairie, can be rather unpredictable at times; however, the county says following a few simple tips can help you protect yourself and your loved ones throughout the cold season.
The county points to the Alberta Government’s “Know the risks” section on their website, which outlines key safety information regarding what to do if you encounter winter conditions like blizzards, freezing rain, and extreme cold.
To start, the province says blizzard warnings are issued whenever falling or blowing snow reaches speeds of at least 40 kilometres per hour, and is expected to last four hours or longer. The province says avoiding the roads altogether is the most prudent action to take during a blizzard; however, if you are on the roads or stuck in your vehicle there are steps to take to ensure your safety.
The province suggests the first thing anyone who finds themselves stuck in a blizzard should do is remain calm, stay inside, and call for help. While your first instinct might be to keep the engine running to stay warm, officials say this could cause further issues due to exhaust fumes, so you should only run the engine occasionally to stay warm, and allow fresh air to enter the cabin by opening the window that faces away from the wind.
In the case of freezing rain and ice storms, the province says avoiding the roads is the best step to take; however, if you must drive, it might be a good idea to check road conditions, keep a well-stocked emergency kit in the vehicle at all times, and use the buddy system so someone knows where you are headed and when you expect to get there.
Extreme cold warnings are issued whenever temperatures or the wind chill reaches minus 40 or colder. The province says even limited exposure can be dangerous in these conditions, so residents should avoid the outdoors when possible. If you have to work outside, the province says to avoid over-exertion, as sweating can quickly lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal.
