Winter Driving Tips
During the winter months, and before travelling for work or being out in the field, what driving resource in BC can you refer to in order to know if its safe to travel?
Drive BC
When you are outside in severe winter weather for work, stay warm and protected with appropriate clothing and gear, such as:
a hat and gloves, waterproof winter boots with good grip to prevent falls on slippery roads, Bright colours and reflective clothing so cars can see you, clothes in layers with a wind resistant layer.
Snow, rain and ________ can cause transportation challenges and increase risk of slips and falls.
ice
Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to frost bite and _______________.
hypothermia
Name five things your vehicle emergency kit should contain that are specific for adverse winter weather?
windshield scraper, shovel, tow rope, extra items to stay warm (mittens, hat, blanket), booster cables, reflective triangle or clothing, Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, sand or non-clumping kitty litter for better tire traction
In case of power outage while working at home or in the field, who should you contact?
Regional Manager or delegate, BC Hydro
During a winter storm, A tree has fallen through the NBC building and freezing rain is entering the building. Electrical wires begin to spark. What code should be activated?
code green (evacuation)
Melting snow can increase the risk of _____________
flooding
What should you install on your vehicle, that provides better traction for your vehicle in cold temperatures and in snow, slush, and icy conditions?
winter tires
When travelling in winter conditions, you should always have what form of communication tool in your vehicle in case of emergency?
cell phone and charging cable
Island Health's __________________ policy recognizes that inclement weather may prevent employees from reporting to scheduled shifts. When this occurs, it will be considered to be on unpaid leave of absence, or if approved by the Manager, employees may use accrued credits such as vacation or overtime.
hazardous weather policy
Your home, work and vehicles should have enough emergency supplies for how many days in the event of a extreme winter weather emergency like power outages?
3 days
Angela is driving back from an inspection, and it is snowing heavy and roads are icy. She should do these two things when driving in snow and ice?
Reduce speed, increase her following distance
Angela and Amanda are travelling to remote locations with no cell service for parts of their travel and at some locations. What island health policy guides them on the steps the should take? And what piece of communication equipment should they ensure they have when travelling to remote locations?
travel safety on the central west coast and satellite or gps phone/tool
Personal preparedness is the key to safety during extreme weather. What resource should you become familiar with to understanding how to respond or who to contact in case of extreme weather emergencies?
Emergency Response Disaster Plan
If you needed to stay at your work site due to extreme weather, you should be prepared to do so, by having what available to you?
extra set of clothes, emergency kit
If you are in a car, traveling for work, and a winter storm arises, whereas it is not safe to continue driving, name three things you should consider when pulling over a vehicle?
stop the car away from trees or power lines that might fall on you, Avoid the base of steep or unstable slopes and low areas prone to flooding, Stay inside the car
Angela and Amanda decided it was unsafe to continue driving back to NBC from Tofino due to a winter storm, and pulled over until conditions improved for a safer drive. Angela was hungry and ate snacks from the emergency kit in the fleet car. What should she do when she returns to NBC related to eating all of the snacks and drinking the water in the emergency kit?
notify someone so the snacks and water can be replaced
Name 3 safe lighting options in case of a power outage
Glow stick, headlamps, Crank flashlights, battery powered flashlights
Don’t be left in the dark and cold during a power outage in the winter months. What should you have available in order to be prepared?
headlamps, lanterns, flashlights, extra batteries, battery powered radio, emergency phone numbers, blankets, extra clothes.