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Extreme Cold Recommendations and Tips

During winter, we can experience periods of extreme cold. Listed below are a couple of tips for your safety and health.

Extreme cold can be understood as temperatures that fall below the seasonal norm. These conditions can increase the possibility of slips and falls due to road and sidewalk conditions. De-icing products applied to roads and sidewalks are less effective during colder weather, practice more vigilance when walking or driving

In addition to that, some health risks are heightened such as windburn, frostbite, hypothermia, worsened respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases, and irritation of throat and lungs. Icy conditions also increase the risk of slips and falls, which then become a major reason for hospital visits due to slippery surfaces.

It is important to protect yourself from the effects of cold weather by:

  • Limiting your time outdoors as much as possible.
  • Dressing warming when spending time outdoors. Please ensure that your head, nose, mouth, neck, and feet are fully covered.
  • Wear footwear that will keep you warm and prevent you from slipping on ice.
  • Stay active when outside.
  • Limit vigorous physical activities like shoveling and take breaks indoors when possible.
  • Avoid getting your clothes wet.
  • Prepare for road conditions and vehicle breakdown by having a fully charged cellphone, enough bottled water, food and blankets, a shovel and snowbrush, and enough medication (if needed).
  • It is recommended to limit tobacco and alcohol consumption, as these can increase the risk of hypothermia.

During periods of extreme cold, the effectiveness of de-icing products is reduced. We recommend being extra cautious when travelling by car, on foot, or by other means.

For more tips on how to safely navigate extreme cold, consult the Prevention tips and steps to take during extreme cold from the government of Québec.