Prevent the effects of cold

Prevent the effects of cold

Description

Precautions to take

Steps to Take During an Extreme Cold Warning

Description

The cold demands that our bodies make extra efforts to keep it warm. These efforts can put our health at risk. In winter, we must all adopt safe behaviors to protect our health.

Precautions to take

Before winter

Perform the necessary and appropriate maintenance work to prepare your home for winter.

Make sure your heating system works well.

health tips

The cold can make certain illnesses worse and certain medications can make you more sensitive to the effects of the cold. Some people are more likely to suffer from the effects of the cold. If this is your case, consult a healthcare practitioner for the steps you should take.

Make sure you and your family have clothes and boots that will protect you from the cold.

In winter

When you go out, dress warmly, depending on the outside temperature Wear boots that will keep your feet warm while preventing you from slipping and falling.

Do not stay outside long without being well protected from the cold.

Stay active while outside.

Check the weather conditions in your area regularly.

Pay particular attention to the extreme cold warnings issued by Environment Canada. In Quebec, an extreme cold warning is issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -38 ° C for at least 2 hours. In northern Quebec, this warning is issued when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -48 ° C for at least 2 hours.

Steps to Take During an Extreme Cold Warning

If you are at home

Heat your home as usual, and keep the room temperature at least 19 ° C.

Caulk doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering.

If you are using a wood stove or an auxiliary heating system, make sure the room is well ventilated.

If you must use a generator, for example in the event of a power failure, you must install it outside your home or any inhabited building.

For more information on the precautions to take with backup heaters, see the Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning page.

If you have to go out

Dress by putting on several layers of clothing. The garment you put on above everyone else must be windproof and waterproof.

Take special care to cover your head, nose, mouth, neck, hands, and feet. Wear boots that will keep your feet warm while preventing you from slipping and falling.

If you have to use a vehicle, be aware that you may have to stay cold for a long time, for example, 

if you have a breakdown or get bogged down, and make sure you have the following personal belongings and equipment:

a charged and functional cell phone;

sufficient quantities of water bottles, food, and blankets;

a shovel, a snow brush and grip plates;

a sufficient amount of your medication, if you are taking it.

Maintain a regular level of activity, for example by walking constantly.

Limit vigorous physical exertion, such as shoveling snow or running.

If you are going to be outside for a long time, take time out in warm, wind-sheltered places.

Avoid getting your clothes wet. If your clothes get wet, change them as soon as possible. You can also remove a layer of clothing as soon as you start to sweat.