Winter in downtown Vernon (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Storm busting

Snow and cold for North Okanagan: how to prepare

Dec 17, 2022 | 2:30 PM

The City of Vernon has issued some friendly reminders to help people be ready for the latest blast of winter weather.

Environment Canada is forecasting periods of snow over the weekend and falling temperatures for the week ahead. Beginning as early as Sunday, temperatures are expected to drop as low as minus 16 or minus 17 degrees Celsius.

With the colder weather, residents should stay informed on the latest forecasts, and dress accordingly.

• 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
• 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 must travel, motorists are reminded to slow down, drive to potentially changing road conditions, give yourself additional time to reach your destination, and look carefully for pedestrians and other travellers.

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

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• 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 over 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.

The city is thanking residents for their hard work in clearing sidewalks this season, and for having patience as crews deal with the impacts of winter storms when they happen.

For more information about snow clearing and cold weather safety, please visit www.getprepared.ca and the City’s website, www.vernon.ca/cleartheway.