Cold White Powder--Oh My!



Photo by Remmy Duchene



So your kids woke up this morning, barged into your room and bounce on the bed screaming at the top of their lungs--that means you may have to get a baby-sitter because some schools might be closed due to the heavy snow Toronto received throughout the night.

While the while dust covering everything is beautiful to look at, it is freezing outside and with the high winds, snow is blow everywhere, smashing against walls and blinding pedestrians and drivers alike.  Mother nature in all her fury visiting the great white north.

The day may not be as warm as you'd like and the snow caked sidewalks and streets may be a hindrance, but please take it slow out there.  Here are some tips that will hopefully help you and keep you and others around you, safe.

TIPS

1. Avoid distractions - Cell phones, iPods, navigation systems etc are giant attention suckers.  When those thing go off you are almost always compelled to check them. Turn cell phones off or put them on silent or vibrate. Keep cell phones and anything that may steal your attention from the road in the backseat on the ground behind the driver's seat. This way you won't be tempted to reach for them.
2. Slow down - It is a myth that because you have winter tires, you can drive at your regular speed and be safe.  Winter tires are simply to assist your other precautions and may keep you save.  Drive at a speed that allows you to stop and/or react safely. Slow down to match the condition of the road. Remember, you may not always see the ice but it is still there and could cause an accident if you are speeding. Give yourself enough time to make it where you are going on time without breaking all speed limits. If a trip would normally take you an hour during the summer days without snow, give yourself an extra thirty to forty five minutes for the same trip during the winter. Getting there early and have to wait is much better than not getting there at all.
3. Be extra vigilant - Keep an eye out for pedestrians. During the winter, pedestrians tend to use every short-cut they can think of to avoid staying in the cold longer than they have to--these short-cuts often times include j-walking. Be sure to take note of the people around you as well as the vehicles.  Other drivers who do not adhere to the 'take it easy' advice during the winter time can put you, your passenger(s) and other motorists and pedestrians at risk. Be careful--because they are crazy doesn't mean you have to be.
4. Stay home - If you aren't going to work or something equally as important, stay home. In today's day and age, you don't have to leave home to pay bills and the like. Do not add to the clutter on the streets. Besides, it is warm in your house and cuts down on the chances of you getting frost bite. All joking aside (about the frost bite), if you don't have to go out, stay home; stay in, stay warm.
5. Dress appropriately - If you're not lucky enough--or unlucky, depending on who you ask--to have a car, dress warm.  Buses do not run on time or regularly as they would in the summer and if for some reason you miss one bus the next one could be a ways away. Dress warm enough so you can stand outside for at least an hour without heating. This minimizes your risk of getting sick.
6. Keep Warm - Keep warm out there. If you're waiting for the bus and it is taking longer than usual, stand inside the bus shelter. If one is not there, stand inside a store, or diner, or restaurant to keep warm. Storekeepers are usually understanding about that kind of thing as long as you do not block their customers or cause any kind of trouble.
7. Your Car - If for some reason your car breaks down, do not sit inside the car. During winters the blowing snow impair vision. Sitting in your car may not be the safest place for you to be.  Try getting to a gas station or call for help immediately.

Here's hoping these tips help you and your family. Keep warm and be safe out there.