Winter in Canada can be beautiful, with fresh layers of glistening white snow coating the trees and a shiny layer of frost on the grass. But winter can also be dangerous, and all Canadians should know the right winter safety tips to stay safe and enjoy this chilly time of year.
From low visibility on the road to icy sidewalks, there are many ways that someone can suffer an injury in the winter. And sometimes, it’s not our fault.
Here are 11 essential winter safety tips that everyone needs to know to get through the winter season. While these won’t help you prevent accidents completely, they’ll help you stay prepared.
1. Always Check Weather Conditions
Canadian winter weather conditions can change from one minute to the next. Always check the weather before you leave the house, and be aware of any predicted storms coming your way.
2. Practice Safe Driving in winter
These precautions include lowering speed, snow removal from the roof of your car, and keeping a safe distance behind other cars.
3. Pay Attention to Sidewalk Shoveling Laws
In Ontario sidewalk shoveling bylaws state that if you are a homeowner, you’re responsible for shoveling your sidewalk.
4. Wear Proper Winter Clothing
If you’re walking in the winter, make sure you’re wearing proper winter boots. When you slip and fall on ice, winter boots can help absorb the impact or prevent you from slipping as much.
5. Obey Ontario Snowmobiling Laws
Snowmobiling in Ontario is an awesome way to enjoy the weather and get out and have some fun. But there are laws and regulations about where and when you can snowmobile, for your safety and the safety of other drivers.
6. Hike, Camp, or Cross Country Ski with Caution
Always tell someone where you’re going and how long you’re going to be. Plan to get back to your destination by sunset so you don’t get caught in the dark, when temperatures and visibility drop. Additionally, be sure to wear layers and account for extra food or clothing in case of an emergency.
7. Cat Litter Can Provide Traction in a Pinch
Did you know that cat litter can provide traction on ice when you don’t have salt or sand? It won’t last for a long time, but it will help until you can get some proper salt.
8. Keep an Emergency Car Kit
Keep it stocked with essentials like extra food and water, blankets, and flashlights. If the need arises that you need to use your kit be sure to restock it with your emergency supplies.
9. Take Precautions Before You Start Shoveling Snow
Did you know that consuming nicotine or caffeine before you shovel snow can actually decrease your heart rate and can potentially cause your blood vessels to constrict? This is dangerous and could cause a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems from the strain of shoveling.
10. Keep Your Hands Out of Your Pockets and Free While You Walk
If you slip and fall on ice, you need to have your hands free to break your fall. Don’t keep them in your pockets, where you won’t get them out in time.
11. Take Pictures of Any Accidents
If you slip and fall on ice not cleared properly or are in a motor vehicle accident, you’ll need to take photos as soon as the accident happens. In the winter, ice and snow conditions can change within a few hours. Ice and snow can melt, leaving you with little proof that the ice you slipped on was there in the first place.
For more Winter Safety Tips check out Arctic Heating and Cooling’s Facebook page.
