With blizzard of 2007 over, still time to be prepared

Alicia Boisson
South Peace News

Extreme weather conditions of high winds and icy roads and large dumps of snow have emergency services personnel in the area encouraging people to plan their traveling for safety reasons. Sgt. Brian Pattyson of the High Prairie RCMP detachment says people can start by planning for the worst and getting prepared. “Make sure your gas tank is always above the half-full mark,” says Pattyson, adding carrying the proper clothing is important. “I know that when people are traveling they get into the vehicle with summer type clothing because they don’t want anything bulky but just carrying the proper clothes for the season is important.” Keeping a heavy jacket, snow pants, gloves, boots, and a tuque in the vehicle at all times, says Pattyson, helps the planning process. “You should also build a safety kit that has blankets, dry foods, water and candles,” adds Pattyson. “You never know how long you will be stuck so it might be handy to have food to tie over hunger and the candles will help to heat the vehicle if the worst happens.” In a case of being stuck in a ditch in these conditions, Pattyson explains it is of number one importance to stay with the vehicle. “In these conditions it doesn’t really matter how well you are dressed, hypothermia can take effect very quickly. The wind chill may seem mild at first but in most cases it is a lot worse than you think,” says Pattyson. “If you are patient and wait it out, someone will eventually come along and help you out, so don’t leave unless it is a life or death situation and if you do, leave a note with the vehicle explaining which direction you were headed, and where you think you were going.” Another safety tip is if there are plans for a long travel, Pattyson says to carry a cell phone and plan ahead. “Let someone know where you are going, what time you are leaving and planning to arrive at your destination, and always call once you have arrived,” adds Pattyson, saying detachments receive a number of calls a year from concerned people who don’t know if their families have arrived safely. “These are calls we take very seriously, so please think ahead, and let people know.”

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