As the frost starts to crackle, temperatures fall and winter weather sets in, the season can bring unique challenges—from heavy rain to flooding and power outages. With holiday gatherings underway, preparation becomes even more important to keep everyone healthy and safe.
- Get your flu and COVID-19 immunizations as recommended: Getting immunized is an important tool in protecting yourself and others this holiday season. Visit healthyhabitsbc.ca or call 1-833-838-2323 to book an appointment.
- Whether experiencing cold rain, snow or freezing temperatures, be aware of the risks of hypothermia and exposure to cold temperatures. Staying warm and dry is key to remaining comfortable and safe when spending time outdoors. See tips for staying warm on the Cold Weather Safety page.
- Watch for slippery conditions: When outdoors wear proper footwear with good traction, and take small, careful steps to avoid slipping and falling. Use handrails if possible, or have them added to your home, and sprinkle sand or salt on walkways to improve traction. See the Patient Handout: Tips to Stay Fall Free in Winter
- Be prepared for storms and emergencies: Have an emergency kit and grab and go bag ready. Know where your emergency shut-off valves are for gas and water and have a plan in place for power outages. If you rely on electricity for medical equipment, have a backup power source available and test all rechargeable batteries. Check out the resources on Floods and Landslides and PreparedBC.
- Minimize wood stove emissions: Wood stoves used for heating should meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements and be appropriately sized. Cut wood should be split and seasoned at least six months before burning and stored under cover for optimum moisture content. Consider replacing woodstoves with cleaner options, such as heat pumps, pellet stoves, or propane heaters. Any actions to reduce wood smoke and improve air quality will have a positive impact on health. Learn more at Wood Burning Smoke.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless, invisible gas produced when fuels are burned incompletely, including natural gas, propane, wood, tobacco and gasoline. CO poisoning can be serious and sometimes fatal. Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a licensed contractor every year and install a carbon monoxide alarm that signals an alert when the gas is present. Carbon monoxide awareness.
- Prepare for road conditions: Check the weather and road conditions ahead of time, pack an emergency kit, and ensure your car is winter-ready, meets tire and chain requirements on designated highways, and tires are properly inflated with enough tread. Clear your windshield and windows of ice, frost and snow before driving. Drive for the conditions; slowing down provides a natural safety buffer for unexpected hazards. Check out DriveBC Road Conditions and Events to plan your route; and Environment Canada website for weather conditions.
- Hosting a holiday dinner? Help reduce the risk of foodborne illness like E.coli or salmonella by following best practices for food safety. Avoid cross-contamination. Refrigerate all leftovers promptly once steaming stops. Throw away any cooked food left out for more than two hours. Learn more at Holiday food safety.
- Minimize potential hazards from new gifts and toys for kids by buying sturdy, well-made toys appropriate for the child's age. Read and follow the item’s instructions and warnings. Avoid using products requiring button batteries or ensure the products’ battery compartment is secure and requires a tool like a screwdriver to access the button battery. When storing button batteries treat them like any other form of poison and keep them in a locked cabinet out of reach of children.
- Alcohol is often present at many celebrations leading up to, and during the holidays. Drinking less alcohol benefits you and others by reducing your risk of both short and long-term health risks. Set a target and stick to the limits you have set for yourself. Eat before you drink, drink slowly and with lots of water, and for every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic beverage. If you do drink, always plan ahead to make sure you have a ride home. Review related resources on Alcohol and Your Health.