Don't Die this Winter

On a cold early morning of November 16, 2005, my step-dad Bert was working as a taxi
driver. Unfortunately a big winter storm had hit Winnipeg and his car got stuck in a snow bank. As Bert tried and failed to get out of a snow bank, he called dispatch and asked for a tow truck. Sadly, he would be struck by a fatal heart attack in the early morning hours and past away while waiting in the car. Move the wheels of time back further to 1996. This time it's January and very cold out side. I just received word that Bert's father had died shortly after he tried to shovel his own walkway. His father was in his late 70's, not fat, and fairly active. He had died sitting in the chair with his snow clothes still on. 

Shoveling snow and pushing cars to get them out can be extremely hard on the body. If you are out of shape, over 40, have a family history of heart problems/disease, you should think twice about working too strenuously before consulting a doctor. 

DRESS UP

Don't be caught outside without the proper gear. Wear snow boots, a good parka, hat/scarf, layers of sweaters, and good gloves. I advise against buying used snow boots unless they are in mint condition. Boots take time to conform to your feet, so ensure you wear them with the proper socks so you don't wind up with massive blisters like I did last year. (My -70 boots are awesome but need BIG socks).

DRIVE SLOW

Take your time. If you can afford to get winter tires, do it. If you can't afford it, drive slow for the weather conditions. I'll need snow tires next year because my Subaru is going back to the dealer for good in February. I only used all-season tires because the all wheel drive in the Impreza is ALWAYS 50% front and 50% back. I never got stuck.......ever. 

BAD WEATHER? STAY HOME

One guaranteed way to die is to drive through horrible weather and stay at the speed limit. If there is a snow storm raining down and you need to run to Costco or Wal-mart across the city, don't do it. Wait until the next day when the roads are sanded and the visibility is better. Too many people die from flying off the road and hitting telephone poles. Or flipping over. Or colliding with other large vehicles like tractor trailers or snow plows (!). Listen to the weather channel or watch TV and keep up to date on what's going on.