January has been a blast - of precipitation, that is.
While New Year’s Day was positively balmy, even for those brave souls who dove into local lakes and rivers, the days to follow have been a mixed bag of wintry weather.
From arctic cold winds to swirling, heavy snow, every day brings a fresh reminder of why we need to be ready for winter.
Fire crews have been kept busy with burst pipes in single family homes, apartment buildings and commercial businesses, as pipes are put to the test. Power outages to date have been brief, but surely not fun for those trying to stay warm or run a business.
So on these snow days, it’s a good chance to poke around your cupboards and take stock of what you have, what you need, and what needs replacing. That could mean everything from checking the batteries in your smoke alarm, to double checking that your home insurance hasn’t run out.
And if you have extra supplies, items like toques, scarves, boots or other warm clothing, consider packing it up and taking it to a shelter or your favourite thrift shop, where it can be passed along to those who will surely put it to immediate use.
Speaking of helping the community, remember to keep an eye on those who need help in your neighbourhood. While the frail couple next door may no longer drive, they’ll surely appreciate a shovelled walk. It is not only kind, but could mean the difference between first responders accessing their home quickly or not, should they need to.
Finally, have patience with companies as they navigate the winter weather. Staff may need extra time to get to work. Supplies may be behind due to road conditions.
We often hear stories after the fact about neighbours helping each other, and businesses lending each other a hand, and it’s something that warm the heart on a cold day.
For more on preparing for winter, visit emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca.