Unprecedented Cold Front Grips Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Braces for -55 Windchill
As Saskatchewan and Saskatoon face an unprecedented cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to -55 due to windchill, it’s crucial for residents and their furry friends to be well-prepared. Frostbite and hypothermia are serious concerns in such extreme conditions, but with proper awareness and precautions, everyone can weather the storm safely. Always use a buddy system, and keep a cell phone in a warm pocket in case of emergency.
Did you know that in temperatures ranging from -28 to -39 degrees Celsius, there’s a high risk of exposed skin freezing in as little as 10 to 30 minutes? Check out these windchill freezing times
Recognizing and Mitigating Frostbite and Hypothermia: A Guide for Humans
When temperatures dip to extreme lows, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia skyrockets. Recognizing the warning signs and taking immediate action is key to preventing serious consequences such as amputation of extremities.
Frostbite tends to impact body parts with limited blood flow, typically those farther from the body’s core. Commonly affected areas include fingertips, toes, earlobes, cheeks, chin, and the tip of the nose. Cold injuries come in three degrees: frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. While individuals with circulatory issues, children, and older adults face higher risks, the majority of cases occur in adults aged 30 to 49.
Frostbite:
- Early Signs: Numbness, tingling, or pain in extremities (fingers, toes, nose, ears).
- Advanced Signs: Skin turning pale, hard, and cold to the touch.
- Mitigation: Seek shelter immediately, remove wet clothing, and gradually warm the affected area with warm (not hot) water.
Hypothermia:
- Early Signs: Shivering, fatigue, confusion, and slurred speech.
- Advanced Signs: Weak pulse, shallow breathing, and unconsciousness.
- Mitigation: Move to a warm place, remove wet clothing, and wrap in warm blankets. Seek medical attention promptly.
Stay Prepared with These Cold Weather Safety Tips:
- Dress in layers to trap warmth and protect against wind.
- Cover extremities, including fingers, toes, and ears.
- Stay dry by wearing waterproof outer layers.
- Keep active to generate body heat, but avoid overexertion.
- Stay informed about weather conditions and heed warnings.
Protecting Your Furry Friends: Dogs in the Deep Freeze
Dogs, especially those deemed “outdoor dogs,” are also susceptible to the harsh cold. Recognizing signs of frostbite and hypothermia in your canine companions is vital.
Frostbite in Dogs:
- Warning Signs: Pale or discolored skin, cold ears and paws, shivering.
- Mitigation: Bring your dog indoors, warm them up gradually, and consult a vet.
Hypothermia in Dogs:
- Warning Signs: Weakness, lethargy, slowed heart rate.
- Mitigation: Move your dog to a warm area, wrap them in blankets, and seek veterinary assistance.
Protecting Outdoor Dogs:
- Provide adequate shelter with insulation and heating to protect your dog against the cold.
- Use heated water bowls to prevent freezing.
- Dress your dog in a well-fitted coat for added warmth.
- Limit outdoor exposure during extreme cold.
- Monitor paw and ear health and use pet-friendly de-icing products.
- Putting paw mittens, socks, or booties on your dog’s feet is a great way to shield their paw pads, preventing snow clumping and ice ball formation between their toe pads, ultimately ensuring the safety and comfort of their feet.
As Saskatchewan battles the bitter cold, it’s essential for residents to stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and extend the same care to their four-legged friends. With proper awareness and preparedness, everyone can navigate the freezing temperatures safely and emerge unscathed from this deep freeze.
Here are some extra resources to help you stay safe in the midst of the extreme cold enveloping Saskatchewan.
How could you best pack your car for a cold weather emergency? Preparing an Emergency Kit for Your Car Add in a wool blanket or sleeping bag with an R value 5+
Brutal cold snap hits province, City of Saskatoon activates emergency response plan
<a href="http://Regina schools take precautions to ensure kids’ safety during cold snap
Wind chill of -50, 40 cm of snow: Here’s Canada’s weather forecast for the week
From wind chills of -55 C to 40 cm of snow, weather warnings in place for much of Canada
Extreme cold engulfs the Prairies, temperatures dive into the -30s
Heavy snow blasts Prairies before polar vortex plunges region into deep freeze
Windchill The Chilling Facts Environment Canada
Saskatchewan to see windchill temperatures drop as low as -55 this week Global News January 7
WindChill Safety National Weather Service
Frost bite Red Cross
WindChill Index Government of Canada Seven steps to cold weather safety
Cold Environments Working in the Cold Government of Canada Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety CCOHS
Frost bite in dogs VCA Animal Hospitals How is frostbite treated?
How cold is too cold for your dog? PetMD
11 Winter Weather Tips : As Told by Adorable Dogs Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Winter Weather Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pet safety during cold weather: Animals can suffer frostbite and hypothermia despite fur coats
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
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Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
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Richard St. Barbe Baker!
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 