The BC Coroners Service is investigating three recent deaths believed to be due to the province’s recent spate of cold weather.
The cases, two in Cariboo-Chilcoton and one in the Upper Fraser Valley, are still under investigation and the causes of death have not yet been confirmed.
READ MORE: More snow forecast this weekend for Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island
With the forecast in B.C. calling for more days of unusually cold weather, the coroner service is urging everyone to take extra care of themselves and each other. Hypothermia is one main concern since it can impact anyone but the elderly, frail and people with mobility issues are particularly at risk when their core body temperatures dip.
“If you know your neighbours are elderly, take the time to give them a call or drop by, just to make sure they are coping,” Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement.
It’s not just being aware outside your home, the coroner service says, but also inside as well. And especially in rural and remote areas, where heating systems can potentially fail.
The coroner service also urges people to be aware of the windchill factor, which combines the effects of temperature and wind. Getting wet in conditions like these can add to the increased risk of hypothermia.
Cold weather safety tips
FOR EVERYONE:
- Plan ahead. Develop a cold-weather safety plan in advance to ensure safety concerns are addressed when the weather forecast is expecting
very cold temperatures or significant windchill. Think about how much you need to be outdoors and what precautions you are going to take
there, and also how you are going to ensure your home remains warm and safe with running water and an adequate food supply.
OUTDOORS:
- Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. Wear a hat and mitts or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf, balaclava
or the like. - Stay dry. Being wet greatly increases the risk of hypothermia. If you do get wet, find shelter and change into dry clothing as soon as
possible. - If possible, limit your time outdoors in times of extremely low temperatures or windchill.
INDOORS:
- Do not assume that just being indoors is enough to eliminate the risk of hypothermia. An unheated or poorly heated residence or building can still lead to hypothermia, especially for the elderly or infirm.
- If you are in a cool or cold building, wear extra clothes, such as longjohns made for winter weather. Wear socks and slippers, and an
extra sweater. A cap or hat helps prevent loss of body heat. - If it’s cold at night, wear longjohns under your pajamas, and put extra covers on the bed.
- If your home is heated by a wood stove, ensure you have plenty of wood available before a forecast snowstorm or prolonged cold spell.
- If you are using a space heater for extra warmth, place it on a hard, level surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home, and never operate a generator inside a home.
Comments