Environment Canada has issued special weather advisories for several regions of the province for extremely cold temperatures and arctic outflows causing strong winds combined with snowfall.

The Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto is encouraging British Columbians to prepare with the following tips and resources:

Winter Weather Readiness Tips

• Arctic outflow warnings are issued when bitterly cold winds that can create wind chill values of -20 or less for six hours or more are forecast. In these conditions, people should limit outdoor exposure or use caution due to the increased risk for frostbite and hypothermia. Be particularly mindful of children and pets being outdoors at this time.
• Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Dress warmly in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk. Cover as much exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite by wearing hats, gloves and scarves. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it. Try to stay dry. If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.
• Drive with care. Strong winds combined with snow can significantly reduce visibility. Drivers should monitor DriveBC road conditions and have an emergency kit in their vehicles that includes warm clothes and winter footwear, food and water, a shovel, a flashlight, and a fully-charged cell phone for emergency calls.

Learn More

Emergency Management BC works year-round with local governments to prepare for emergencies. For more information on what to include in your emergency kit or to know how you and your family can get prepared, including preparedness guides for condo, townhouse and homeowners, as well as pet owners and resources for people with disabilities, visit PreparedBC: http://ow.ly/C28u306UJ1P

Find Environment Canada weather alerts and specific regional details at: http://ow.ly/HUef306UKC4

Learn about electrical safety during natural disasters from BC Hydro at: http://ow.ly/5wpc306UEPQ

Learn about natural gas safety from FortisBC at: http://ow.ly/vJhA306UEI6

Before you head out on the roads this winter, visit Drive BC at: www.drivebc.ca

Also, remember to ‘Shift into Winter’ with specific winter driving tips at: http://ow.ly/y747306UIX5