Province urges residents to prepare for ‘severe’ weather over holidays

The weather outside could be frightful in many areas of British Columbia over the holiday period.

At a news conference Thursday, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety, encouraged residents to prepare for severe winter weather which is expected to last until the end of the year in most parts of the province.

“In the coming days, periods of heavy and blowing snow, freezing rain and very cold weather are likely in most parts of B.C.,” the minster stated.

A blast of Arctic air is expected to arrive by Christmas Eve, causing temperatures to plunge province wide for the rest of December.

Farnworth said provincial staff have been working this week to ensure provincial road crews and First Nations and local governments are prepared for what is to come, including efforts to provide a safe, warm, place for the less fortunate to go.

“This winter, the province is providing more than 1,900 temporary shelter spaces and nearly 360 extreme weather shelter spaces to keep people experiencing homelessness safe.”

Farnworth said that’s a 25 per cent increase in the number of shelter spaces over last year. The extra spaces supplement more than 2,250 permanent year-round shelter spaces in B.C.

“This gives people who are living or sleeping on the street, or in public places, a warm place to sleep with food and other support in extremely wet or cold weather.”

The veteran politician, who is also B.C.’s deputy premier, said it’s vital people prepare for bad weather and the issues that could create.

“I urge everyone to follow weather forecasts and road closures. Focus on weather alerts for your area from Environment Canada. Make sure you put together an emergency kit in case of power outages.”

Residents should also follow directions of their local government, and bring food, water and warm clothes or blankets, if traveling by car.

“And above all else, be safe,” Farnworth remarked.

While there are no weather warnings or alerts for the Okanagan Valley from Environment Canada as of this morning, the forecast is calling for flurries or snow over the next few days, and colder weather.

The City of Vernon has provided the following tips to help people prepare for the colder weather and potential storms:

• Check the weather forecast before going outside; pay attention to both the temperature and the wind chill factor;
• Plan ahead and limit your time outside;
• Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer; wear a toque or hat, mittens and a scarf to cover exposed skin; wear warm and waterproof footwear;
• Seek shelter from the wind;
• Stay dry; if you are wearing too many layers and begin to sweat, unzip or remove a layer;
• Stay active while outside to generate body heat;
• Be aware of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention immediately, if required;
• Ensure you have an emergency plan in place, including a 72-hour kit, candles, food and water in case of a power outage or poor travel conditions;
• Check DriveBC before traveling, and if road conditions are poor, avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

If you are clearing snow from sidewalks or your driveway, please keep these tips in mind to increase safety in your neighbourhood:

• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours of the end of the snowfall (as per Traffic Bylaw #5600);
• Pile snow on grass areas where possible and never around fire hydrants, on bus stops or storm drains;
• When shoveling snow off your driveway, store the snow on the left side of the driveway (when facing the property) and do not push it into the street. This will increase visibility when leaving your driveway, and will make the road safer for other motorists;
• Park vehicles off-street wherever possible to allow snowplows to clear a larger portion of the road; and
• Keep children, pets and yourself a safe distance away from heavy snow clearing equipment.