Weather Related Resources

Blizzards come in on a wave of cold Artic air, bringing snow, bitter cold, high winds and poor visibility. On average, the storms and cold of winter kill more than 100 people every year which is more than the total number of people killed by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, lightning and extreme heat.

What To Do In A Blizzard

1. When a blizzard is forecast, stay tuned for up-dates.
2. String a lifeline between your house and any outbuildings you may have to go to during a storm.
3. If on a farm with livestock, bring the animals into the barn. Give them plenty of water and food.
4. When a blizzard hits, stay indoors.
5. If you must go outside, dress for the weather. Outer clothing should be tightly woven and water repellent.

Wear mitts and a hat, as most body heat is lost through the head.

Too much heat and humidity can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, other serious illnesses and even death. Early symptoms of heat-related illness can include: headache, dizziness or fainting, rapid breathing or heart rate or otherwise feeling unwell. Get out of the heat and try to cool down. Seek medical care if needed. Older adults, people with chronic health conditions, on certain medications, or living alone are at greatest risk for a heat-related illness.

What to do when there is extreme heat?

1. Stay hydrated
• Drink plenty of water (that’s the best liquid) before you feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they can increase the amount of water lost by the body.

2. Stay cool and keep out of the sun
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
• If you are outdoors during the hottest part of the day, shade yourself from the sun with an umbrella or a wide-brimmed hat with lots of ventilation (to allow the sweat on your head to evaporate), wear loose-fitting, breathable, light coloured clothing, and remember to wear sunscreen to limit ultra-violet (UV) ray exposure.
• Block the sun out by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day at your residence or workplace.
• If there is no air-conditioning at home – go to a cool place such as an air-conditioned location such as a shopping centre, restaurant, public library, or community centre.
• Take a cool bath or shower or go for a swim to cool off.
• Avoid using your oven or other appliances that could heat your home more.
• Limit physical activities during the hotter parts of the day or exercise in an air conditioned place.

3. Take care of yourself and others
• Check on family members, neighbors and friends—especially older adults and those with chronic conditions. Visiting is best because it is easier to identify signs of heat illness that could be missed over the phone.
• Never leave people or pets in your care alone in closed vehicles or direct sunlight.

4. Signs of Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
• If unwell, get out of the heat and get help.

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Flooding is traditionally slow to develop, allowing for increased preparation time. Some simple diligence on the homeowner’s part will help lessen the effects of the rising water. During an emergency event Municipal phone lines & social media will be established to provide information.

What To Do When Flooding is Forecasted:

Preparing for the rising waters…

1. Know the elevation (level) of your access roadway, as well as that of your property.
2. Monitor Provincial and Municipal websites for daily flood reports.
   This information is available on the website at: MB Govt Flooding
3. If the danger is immediate, shut off all power to your home.
4. Take precautions to safeguard or minimize damage to electrical, natural gas, or propane heating equipment. Consult your supplier for instructions.
5. Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belonging to floors above flood level.
6. Remove toilets on basement levels. Plug the sewer connections and floor drains.
7. Remove toxic substances (pesticides, oils, etc.) to prevent harming the environment.
8. Check you dyke’s structure and gates; repair as required.
9. Ensure items not protected by your dyke are moved to higher ground.
10. Protect wells that are on low lying unprotected areas with diking. 
11. Obtain the services of a boat and personal flotation devices.
12. Contact your Agricultural Representative regarding the relocation of farm produce, livestock, poultry etc.  Make arrangements for your pets.  
    
    

During a Flood

1. Monitor Provincial & Municipal websites and social media for information updates.
   CarmanDufferin Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
   CDFD Facebook & CDFD Instagram
2. Stay away from the river and any other water flowing to the river.
3. Stay away from flooded areas and flooded buildings.
4. In the event of basement flooding, do not attempt to turn off the main power switch. Notify Manitoba Hydro to disconnect your power at the pole.
5. Turn basement furnace off and shut off outside gas valve.
6. Never cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle. The current may sweep you downstream. 
7. Avoid crossing bridges if the water is high and flowing quickly.
8. Store fresh drinking water. Regular drinking water supply and well water may become contaminated.
9. If evacuation becomes necessary, follow instructions of the local officials.
   
   

After a flood

1. Do not enter flooded basements or buildings which may contain energized electrical wiring or appliances.
2. The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested to ensure the integrity of the insulation.
3. Circuit breakers that have been submerged must be removed and destroyed as they may not operate safely.
4. Do not use any appliance, heating, pressure or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
5. Before turning on power, have a qualified electrician inspect all wiring. Even if your basement did not have water in it, the interior structure may be soaked and still be a conductor or electricity.
6. Do not attempt to re-light natural gas equipment yourself, have a qualified technician complete.

• a mild form of frostbite, where only the skin freezes
• skin appears yellowish or white, but feels soft to the touch
• painful tingling or burning sensation
  
  

What to do:

• do not rub or massage the area
• warm the area gradually – use body heat (a warm hand) or warm water
• avoid direct heat which can burn the skin
• once the affected area is warm, do not re-expose it to the cold

Shelter-in-place is the practice of going or remaining indoors during an emergency, as opposed to evacuation.  Shelter-in-place can be a safe response to an airborne hazardous material release.  Building can protect you by slowing the amount of air getting inside.

Shelter-in-place procedure:

1. Go indoors if you are outside.
2. Close all windows and doors.
3. Stay away from windows and doors.
4. If odour is strong, seal an inside room with wet towels at the base of the door. Breathe through a damp towel to filter air.
5. Turn off furnace and exhaust fans.
6. Monitor local media and/or Carman Dufferin website for updates.
   
   • CarmanDufferin Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
   • CDFD Facebook & CDFD Instagram
7. Avoid elevators.
8. Remain indoors until told to evacuate.

• a more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen
• skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch
• no sensation – the area is numb
  
  

What to do:

• frostbite can be serious and can result in amputation, get medical help
• do not rub or massage the area
• do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm
• warm the area gradually – use body heat, or warm water (40 to 42ºC)
• avoid direct heat which can burn the skin

Hazardous materials are chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment. Accidents with hazardous materials may require us to take action to protect ourselves.

People may be exposed to a hazardous material when there is a fire or an accidental spill. A powder may be blown by the wind or carried through the community on vehicle tires. Smoke and heat from a fire can carry hazardous materials. A spill on the ground can evaporate and become airborne. A chemical, such as ammonia or chlorine, may also be released as a gas and mix with the air.

The hazardous material may be seen as a cloud or it may not be seen at all. Sometimes we may be able to smell or taste a hazardous material to warn us of its presence. However, this is not always the case and it is not the same for everybody. The effect that a hazardous material may have on our bodies depends on its nature, concentration, and the length of time we are exposed to it.

An important thing to remember is that you do not want to get any of the hazardous material on you. If it is in the air or on your skin it may enter your body and cause you harm. Take action to protect yourself. Do not visit the accident site. If citizens are required to take action, you will be given instructions about what to do via Emergency Response Vehicles using sirens and loud-halers or by personal contact. Follow these instructions. Listen to the radio for updated information.

Review the shelter-in-place and evacuation information in this guide.

What To Do During A Hazardous Material Release

1. Do not go see what is happening!
2. Follow instructions provided by emergency response personnel!
3. Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate!

A heavy rainfall can result in flooding. This is particularly true when the ground is still frozen or already saturated from previous storms. Floods may also result if a heavy rain coincides with spring thaw.

 

What To Do During A Heavy Rain

1. Stay indoors.
2. If there is a possibility of flooding in your area, listen to the radio or TV to find out what areas are flooded or flooding.
3. Stay away from flooded areas.

The Humidex is an index that describes how hot or humid weather feels to the average person. It is only used when the temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius. The humidex combines the temperature and humidity into one number. A humidex of 40 with a temperature of 30 degrees means that the humidity on that day, combined with the 30 degree temperature, will feel like 40 degrees on a dry day.

Winter can be the most hazardous season in which to travel, and it is important to be prepared for problems during every season. The best safety precaution during severe weather conditions is to avoid traveling. However, if you must travel, be prepared.

What To Do When Traveling

• Tune up your vehicle and keep the tank full of fuel.
• For long trips, take drinking water and some snacks.
• Plan your trips in advance and drive well-traveled roads.
• Phone 1-877-627-6237 for highway conditions or go to Manitoba 511
• Tell family and friends of your route, departure and arrival times.
• Listen to the radio for weather updates.
• If driving conditions become serious, turn back or stop at the side of the road.
• Carry a WINTER SURVIVAL KIT
  
  

Things To Do If You Are Stranded

• Park completely off the traveled portion of the road.
• Set out warning lights or flares.
• Turn on 4-way flashers and the dome light.
• Stay in the vehicle and keep dry.
• Run the engine sparingly for heat.
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
• Avoid long exposure and over exertion – shoveling in bitter cold can kill.
• Use a candle in an appropriately sized tin can for heat.
• Keep fresh air in the vehicle by partially opening a sheltered window.
• Exercise in the vehicle by vigorously moving your legs, arms and hands.
• Wear a hat as you lose up to 60% of body heat through your head.
• Do not let all occupants sleep at the same time.
• Keep watch for searchers and other traffic.

Tornadoes are violent windstorms identified by their twisting funnel-shaped cloud. They are always produced by thunderstorms but not every thunderstorm produces a tornado. They travel between 20 and 90 km/hour, are erratic, and can change course suddenly. Do not chase tornadoes. Tornado Watch means the weather could develop a tornado. Tornado Warning means a tornado has been seen or it is very likely that one will develop shortly.

Warning Signs of Tornadoes

• Severe thunderstorms with frequent thunder and lightning
• An extremely dark sky sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds
• A rumbling sound, such as a freight train or a whistling sound similar to a jet aircraft
• A funnel cloud at the rear of a thunder cloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail
  
  

What To Do During a Tornado

If You Are Near A Building

1. Listen to your radio during severe thunderstorms.
2. If a Tornado Warning has been issued take cover immediately.
3. Go to the basement or take shelter in a small interior ground floor room, closet or hallway.
4. Protect yourself by sitting under a heavy table or desk.
5. Stay away from windows and outside walls and doors.
6. Do not use elevators.
7. Avoid large halls, churches, arenas, etc. – their roofs are more likely to collapse.
8. Stay close to the ground, protect your head and hide from flying debris.

If You Are Driving

1. If you are driving, try and get to a nearby shelter – drive away from the tornado at a right angle.
2. Do not get caught in a car or mobile home – take shelter elsewhere. If no shelter is available, lie face down in a ditch or culvert away from the vehicle or mobile home.
3. If a tornado seems to be standing still, it is either traveling away from you or heading right for you.
4. Stay close to the ground, protect your head and hide from flying debris.

Canada’s wind chill index is based on the loss of heat from the face. It was developed using human volunteers, computer technology, and a better understanding of how skin loses heat. The index is expressed in temperature-like units, which are easier for everyone to understand. The best way to understand wind chill is to think of it as a feeling. The new wind chill index represents how your skin will feel at a given temperature on a calm day. For instance, if the outside air temperature is –5C and the wind chill is –25, your face will feel as cold as it would at –25C on a calm day.

What to do for wind chill: Wind Chill	Health Concern	What To Do
0 to -9	Slight discomfort	Dress warmly
-10 to -24	Uncomfortable • Bare skin feels cold • Risk of hypothermia	Dress in layers • Wear a hat, mitts & scarf • Keep active
-25 to -44	Skin may freeze • Risk of hypothermia	Check face, fingers, toes, ears & nose for numbness or whiteness  • Dress in layers – cover bare skin  • Wear a hat, mitts & scarf  • Keep active
-45 to -59	• Bare skin may freeze in minutes	Check face, fingers, toes, ears & nose for numbness or whiteness  • Dress in layers – cover bare skin • Wear a hat, mitts & scarf • Keep active
-60 and colder	Bare skin may freeze in less than 2 minutes	It is dangerous! Stay indoors

 

• Ice scraper & brush
• Methyl hydrate (fuel line de-icing)
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Booster cables
• Shovel and tow rope
• Flares or other signal aids
• Sand or kitty litter
• Candles and tin can
• Matches/lighter
• Blankets/warm clothing
• Granola bars, candy, sugar cubes
• First aid kit
• Hatchet or axe
• Compass
• Cellular phone (Charged)