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As arctic outflows creep into Vancouver Island, here’s how to prepare

Wind chill effects could lead to temperatures feeling as low as -20C in some areas

The much-talked-about first Arctic outflow of the year hits Vancouver Island today with a promise of snow and wind chills expected that could send temperatures to below -20 C.

Environment Canada issued a weather warning late Wednesday (Jan. 10) of the strong Arctic air headed our way.

Thursday could see significant snow on the Malahat, Environment Canada warns, with specific amounts and locations unclear.

“There is potential for significant snowfall for parts of East Vancouver Island. The snow is forecast to develop later this afternoon over Malahat Highway and Duncan area. The band of snow is expected to move north and stall over Nanaimo area tonight and could continue over Fanny Bay area on Friday. Snow could potentially impact the evening commute tonight and morning commute on Friday,” a special weather statement reads.

Black Press Media spoke with meteorologist Armel Castellan from Environment Canada about the extreme cold temperatures and snowfall warnings expected in weather alerts issued for Thursday, Jan. 11 across most areas of the province.

About 2 cm of snow is also expected in Greater Victoria as clouds are expected to roll in near noon and snow tapering off around midnight.

Friday’s daytime high is forecast at -7, with temperatures rising from there – with no snow in the forecast.

Winds are expected to gust to 60 km/h bringing with them wind chill values of -20 C on Thursday night.

Wind chill values may moderate on Saturday afternoon but uncertainty remains on the timing of the warm-up, according to Environment Canada, warning there is a risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Both can occur within minutes without proper precautions.

That slow ascension to preparedness can start with one can of soup or a roll of toilet paper. Even though it’s her bread and butter, Erin Stockill – who heads the Saanich Emergency Program – says the learning never ends.

“We have the luxury of a warning. We know these weather events are coming. Why not make it a priority? It can ease the stress and trepidation when you take ownership of the preparedness in our hands,” Stockill said.

Small routine steps are the easiest. If forewarned of wild weather ahead, keep the cell phone charged and don’t let the vehicles get below a half tank or half charge.

“(They’re) really simple, practical things people can do to take steps toward preparedness,” she said.

Stockill notes it’s no surprise we’re experiencing more extreme weather on a more regular basis.

“We have really strong emergency programs across the region, across the Island,” Stockill said. “We want to empower residents that they are the experts.”

Online checklists, adaptable plans and suggestions aim set up residents as the experts in their own emergency preparedness.

A 2018 survey showed time, cost, space and complacency were the biggest barriers, Stockill said. Her goal is to help folks leap those hurdles – and it doesn’t necessarily mean going out to buy a big expensive emergency kit.

“Grab a Rubbermaid bin, walk around your house or apartment, and most people would be surprised to know they have more emergency supplies on hand than they might think,” she said. “Next time you go shopping and soup’s on sale – grab two.”

If space is the issue, slit open the living room ottoman and make it your emergency kit.

“There’s a layer of creativity involved,” she said.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Storm surge closes Greater Victoria roads, trails, breakwater

Planning starts with that extra can of soup, some bottled water, batteries and other basics, but “no preparedness kit should look the same” because each family unit is unique.

The needs of seniors, infants and any variety of pets are different.

“Things that will cater to the unique needs of your family will ensure the comfort of the needs of your family,” she said.

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An emergency kit can be simple or complex, but should meet the unique needs of the family. (Black Press Media file photo)

Ideally every home has an emergency kit – with food, water flashlight, first aid kit, medication and this individualized family needs – to dig into during a power outage. That should cover every member of the household for seven days.

Maybe the next step in the preparedness progression is a grab-and-go bag, something Stockill said became useful to households facing sudden evacuations during wildfires this summer.

That’s the goal of the bag, a personalized kit for each member of the family that will keep them comfy with 24 hours worth of essentials. Those can include water, a snack, pastimes such as book or games, and information such as insurance documents on a protected USB drive.

READ ALSO: Ferries cancelled, thousands without power as storm hits south Island

Moving on the path of readiness, the car and desk kits might be next.

A former West Shore resident, Stockill remembers a light snow turning to a blinding storm she had to stop for once during her commute home. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change. A car kit can have extra warm clothes, window scraper, jumper cables, a shovel – things to help wait out a change in the situation.

And don’t forget to revisit those kits. Use a birthday, or routine smoke detector testing or other routine time to revisit those kits. To avoid snacking on a five-year-old power bar when in a dire situation, replace and replenish things like snacks and batteries.

While the steps are small and can add up incrementally, key elements to preparedness and resilience are free.

A walk around outdoors and a home hazard hunt can avoid potential problems – for example, draining taps ahead of a deep freeze or securing stuff ahead of a wind storm.

And while you’re out there, knock on the neighbour’s door. When facing extreme heat or cold, snow, flooding or fire your friends could be next door.

“The reality is neighbours will be our first help, let’s help each other,” Stockill said. “It doesn’t cost anything to knock on the door, introduce yourself and maybe find out how you can help them.”

Stockill runs the emergency program through Saanich fire (online at saanich.ca), but most communities offer programs.

“We love helping people take those steps toward preparedness and resilience.”

Find a guide to emergency preparedness in the Capital Region online at crd.bc.ca/prepare-yourself.

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The basic pet grab and go bag. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)


Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

I'm dedicated to serving the community of Oak Bay as a senior journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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