Emergency

Resource

Matinding lamig

Closeup of icicles on a roof during a snowstorm

Sa panahon ng matinding lamig, may mas mataas na mga panganib ng hypothermia, frostbite, pagkadulas o pagkatisod, pagbagsak sa sahig, pagkalason sa carbon monoxide at potensiyal na kamatayan. Ang panahon ng taglamig ay maaaring makaapekto sa kalusugan ng lahat, kaya tiyaking ikaw ay handa at ginagawa ang lahat para mapanatiling ligtas ang iyong sarili, iyong pamilya, at iyong komunidad.

Mga problema sa kalusugan sa panahon ng taglamig

Sa panahon ng taglamig, may mas mataas na mga panganib ng hypothermia, frostbite, pagkadulas o pagkatisod, pagbagsak sa sahig, pagkalason sa carbon monoxide at potensiyal na kamatayan. Ang mga epekto sa kalusugan ng panahon ng taglamig ay maaaring maapektuhan ang sinuman, kaya maging handa at umaksiyon kapag kinakailangan.

hypothermia thumbnail
I-download ang infographic tungkol sa hypothermia
frostbite thumbnail
I-download ang infographic tungkol sa frostbite

Pagkadulas at pagkatumba

Kapag mayroong niyebe at yelo ang mga daanan, mayroong mas malaking panganib na madulas at matumba habang nasa labas. Maaaring dumami ang mga magpupunta sa emergency department o maospital sa panahong ito dahil sa pagkadulas at pagkatumba. Ang lahat, anuman ang kanilang edad at abilidad, ay maaaring nasa panganib na matumba. Maaaring maiiwasan ang pagkatumba gamit ang mga wastong kagamitan at paghahanda.  

Mga payo upang maiwasan ang pagkadulas at pagkatumba

  • Magplano nang maaga upang magkaroon ng sapat na oras para makarating sa pupuntahan.
  • Maglakad sa mga malinis na daanan kung may yelo at niyebe sa lupa.
  • Magsuot ng bota o sapatos na sakto ang sukat at may makapal na non-slip tread na swelas.
  • Gumamit ng tungkod, ski poles o walking stick upang makatulong sa pagbalanse. Kung gumagamit ng tungkod, maglagay ng matatanggal na ice pick sa dulo nito.
  • Kapag naglalakad sa mga madulas na daan, maglakad nang may maiikling hakbang at nakaturo ang mga daliri ng paa palabas (tulad ng isang penguin). Panoorin ang video tungkol sa paglalakad sa panahon ng taglamig para sa iba pang mga tip.

Hanapin ang mga serbisyo sa VCH para maiwasan ang pagkatumba

Pagkalason sa carbon monoxide (CO)

Sa panahon ng taglamig, maaaring mas madalas mangyari ang pagkalason sa carbon monoxide dahil ang ilang mga sistema ng pagpapainit ay nagsusunog ng fossil fuel upang panatilihing mainit ang mga espasyo (hal., pagpapainit gamit ang gas, mga kalan na gumagamit ng kahoy o uling, mantika, langis). Ang pagkalason sa carbon monoxide ay nangyayari kapag ang mga tao ay nakakalanghap ng labis na carbon monoxide at maaaring mangyari ito kapag nasisira ang mga appliances o ginagamit ito sa mga lugar na walang sapat na bentilasyon (hal., mga naka-block o hinarangang tsiminea (chimney), saradong bintana, o sa loob ng isang tent). Hindi mo makikita, maaamoy o malalasahan ang carbon monoxide, ngunit maaari itong magdulot ng kamatayan sa loob ng ilang minuto.

Alamin ang mga sintomas ng pagkalason sa carbon monoxide at mga tip para maiwasan ito (HealthLink BC)

 

  • At home

    • Heat your home to at least 21℃ if infants or elderly people are present. During winter months, heating costs may increase. If you have difficulty paying for heat, consider exploring BC Hydro’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program and check if your city or town has a rent bank.  
    • Make a plan and prepare your home for winter hazards in your area. See the PreparedBC Guides for Winter Weather and Storms, Power Outages, Floods, Avalanches and other BC hazards.  
    • Build an emergency kit and restock it after each use. See the PreparedBC Home Preparedness Guide. 
    • Maintain public spaces outside of your home, including sidewalks and parking areas, as safe pathways for everyone's mobility. 
      • Learn snow shovelling tips to prevent injuries.  
      • Some communities have Snow Angels / Snow Stars programs to assist seniors or people with disabilities to clear snow off walkways. This can decrease injury risk and support people's mobility. Volunteers are always needed! Contact your local government or First Nation for more information.   
    • During winter, carbon monoxide poisoning may occur more frequently as some heating systems burn fuel to keep spaces warm (e.g. gas heating, wood or charcoal stoves, oil, kerosene). Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when people inhale too much carbon monoxide and can happen when appliances malfunction or are used in spaces without adequate ventilation (e.g., blocked chimneys, closed windows, or inside a tent). You cannot see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, but it can be deadly in minutes.

    Learn the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention tips (HealthLink BC)

  • Getting around outside

    • Check the weather report before going outside. Plan a safe route with extra time to navigate winter conditions.  
    • Dress for winter weather:  
      • Wear layers, preferably with a waterproof or windproof outer layer. Take off layers as you heat up to avoid sweating. The risk of hypothermia increases when you or your clothes are wet. 
      • Choose wool or synthetic clothing, which keeps people warmer and dryer than cotton.  
      • Depending on the temperature and wind (wind chill), exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Wear a hat, scarf, mittens or gloves.    
      • Use boots or shoes that fit well, are insulated, waterproof, and have good traction. Consider wearing traction devices on footwear, but remember that they can be slippery on smooth surfaces like tiles.  
      • Wear bright and reflective clothing so vehicles can see you in the dark. Drivers should proceed cautiously, and visibility can increase safety for people walking, rolling or biking.  

  • Avoiding slips and falls

    • Plan ahead so you have enough time to get where you're going.
    • Walk on cleared walkways if there is ice and snow on the ground.
    • Use boots or shoes that fit well and have a thick, non-slip tread sole.
    • Use a cane, ski poles or walking sticks to help with balance. If using a cane, attach a retractable ice pick to the end.
    • Take short shuffling steps with your toes pointed slightly outward on slippery surfaces (like a penguin). Watch this winter walking video for more tips.

  • Driving

  • During winter storms and extreme cold

    • Check weather advisories from Environment and Climate Change Canada and emergency alerts from Emergency Info BC. 
    • Contact your Local Government or First Nation for community support.  
    • Know where to go for the right healthcare during winter months.  
    • Consider rescheduling activities or limiting time outdoors during colder temperatures. 
    • Check-in on your neighbours, friends and family, especially older adults or people with disabilities who live alone. Make sure they are keeping warm and check if they need supplies, transportation, assistance clearing snow or other support.     

Mental health and substance use

For many, winter can take a toll on physical and mental health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to get help when you need it. If you are struggling, there are supports available. 

  • Mental health and substance use

    Mental health and substance use services are available to provide support, serv…

  • Harm reduction

    Keeping individuals and communities safe and healthy by preventing infections, …

  • Supervised Consumption and Overdose Prevention Sites

    Supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites are safe spaces where team…

Local weather, shelter, and emergency information

During winter weather events, local governments, First Nations, and non-governmental organizations in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region operate shelters or encourage people to use other public spaces (like libraries and community centres) to safely warm up and avoid exposure to the cold. Some spaces are open overnight, and others are available during the day. More spaces may be added during a weather alert, when risk increases due to cold, wind and/or precipitation.  

Many local governments and First Nations post updated information on their social media pages about warming centres or temporary shelters activated during winter weather warnings. 

Shelter options may change quickly based on the current weather conditions and capacity. Confirm with organizations directly if services or spaces are currently available.  

Learn where to find shelter, weather, and emergency information

Winter weather warnings

  • Arctic outflow warnings

    Issued for Coastal British Columbia regions when any combination of wind speed and temperature gives a wind chill of -20°C or lower for 6 hours or more.

  • Extreme cold warnings

    Issued for Coastal British Columbia when temperature or wind chills are expected to reach -35°C for at least 2 hours.

  • Snowfall warnings

    Issued for Southern and Central Coastal British Columbia when 10 centimeters or more of snow falls within 12 hours or less; or when 5 centimeters or more of snow falls within 6 hours or less. 

  • Winter storm warnings

    Issued for when severe and potentially dangerous winter weather conditions are expected, including: a major snowfall (25 centimeters or more within a 24 hour period) and a significant snowfall (snowfall warning criteria amounts) combined with other cold weather precipitation types such as freezing rain, strong winds, blowing snow and/or extreme cold.

  • Flash freeze warnings

    Issued when significant ice is expected to form on roads, sidewalks or other surfaces over much of a region because of the freezing of residual water from either melted snow or falling/fallen rain due to a rapid drop in temperatures.

Mga babala sa lagay ng panahon para sa taglamig

  • Ang Arctic Outflow Warnings ay inilalabas para sa mga rehiyon ng Coastal British Columbia kapag ang anumang kombinasyon ng lakas ng hangin at temperatura ay nagdudulot ng lamig ng hangin (wind chll) na -20°C o mas mababa sa loob ng 6 na oras o higit pa. 
  • Ang Babala sa Matinding Lamig (Extreme Cold Warnings) ay inilalabas para sa Coastal British Columbia kapag inaasahang umabot sa -35°C ang temperatura o lamig ng hangin (wind chill) nang hindi bababa sa 2 oras. 
  • Ang Babala sa Pagbagsak ng Niyebe (Snowfall Warnings) ay inilalabas para sa Southern at Central Coastal British Columbia kapag 10 sentimetro o higit pa ang bumagsak na niyebe sa loob ng hanggang 12 oras; o kapag 5 sentimetro o higit pa ang bumagsak na niyebe sa loob ng hanggang 6 na oras.  
  • Ang Babala sa Bagyo sa Panahon ng Taglamig (Winter Storm Warnings) ay inilalabas kapag inaasahan ang malubha at potensiyal na mapanganib na kondisyon sa panahon ng taglamig, kabilang ang: matinding pagbagsak ng niyebe (25 sentimetro o higit pa sa loob ng 24 oras) at malakas na pagbagsak ng niyebe (criteria ayon sa dami ng snowfall warning) kasama ang iba pang uri ng presipitasyon kapag malamig ang panahon tulad ng nagyeyelong ulan, malakas na hangin, hinahanging niyebe (blowing snow) at/o matinding lamig.  
  • Ang Flash Freeze Warnings ay inilalabas kapag inaasahang magkakaroon ng maraming yelo sa mga daan, sidewalk o iba pang mga lugar sa karamihan ng isang rehiyon dahil sa pagyeyelo ng natitirang tubig (residual water) mula sa natunaw na niyebe o kasalukuyan/nakaraang pag-ulan na dulot ng biglaang pagbaba ng temperatura. 

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa Mga Alert tungkol sa Lagay ng Panahon para sa Publiko (Public Weather Alerts) sa British Columbia, bisitahin ang mga resources na ito mula sa Environment and Climate Change Canada:  

Resources

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PreparedBC Winter Weather and Storms Preparedness Guide

PreparedBC has developed a Severe Winter Weather and Storm Readiness Guide to help people prepare for such weather events. The booklet provides key information on the risks associated with the season, and actions you can take to be prepared.

Download the guide

a diverse group having hot coco outside during winter

VCH Winter Health Resource for Community Organizations

This resource is intended for community organizations helping their community prepare for and stay safe during winter weather events, like snowstorms or power outages. It provides health guidance, key resources, and recommended actions to prepare for and support community during winter weather events.

Download the resource sheet

An illustration showing a scene of a town during winter

Put your health first this winter

This season, more than ever, it's vital to proactively manage your health and well-being. It's essential to recognize when it's time to seek medical help, and just as important to know how to care for yourself and avoid the need for medical care where possible.

Learn more

Karagdagang mapagkukunan ng impormasyon tungkol sa panahon ng taglamig

I-check ang mga social media page para sa mga update at mga bagong serbisyo sa iyong lokalidad. 

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