Continuous Snowfall in Vancouver causing
hazardous driving conditions
Vancouver, BC January 2009. After an
unusually warm fall, Vancouverites were talking about the possibility of
a mild winter. So, it was a surprise when the snow came in Dec.
14, just 10 days before Christmas. Snow in Christmas time is
always a bonus, a White Christmas..... But the snow just kept on coming,
even when the weatherman predicted rain.
Many Christmas events and celebrations
were cancelled due to the snow. Car accidents, personal injuries
from falls, heart attacks from strenuous snow shovelling, senior
citizens shut-ins, these are some of the many inconveniences caused by
the snow.
New Canadian immigrants are finding it hard to adjust to this unusually
harsh winter conditions. Here are some of the advices we get from
our web visitors.
1. Use the proper snow shovelling tool which is shaped to scoop
snow.
2. Get some sifto ice salt for salting your driveway.
If your budget is tight, draw out a pathway from your door to the road
and salt that pathway. This is especially important for seniors
who are in frail health. Ice salt is available from Canadian Tire or
your local hardware store. Always stock some for the winter.
Stores can easily run out of ice salt just when you need them.
3. Wear proper shoes. Snow boots are ideal as they have the
right soles that make it easy to walk on snow. They are also
waterproof and well insulated. They keep your feet warm and dry.
Walmart is a good place to shop for inexpensive snow boots.
4. If there is a forecast for heavy snowfall, start shovelling as
soon as the snow starts. Do not wait for the snow to pile up, as
the snow will become too heavy, and snow shovelling becomes strenuous
work.
Most importantly, NEVER, NEVER pour hot boiling water on your driveway.
It does not replace snow shovelling. What you end up with is ice on your
driveway, and that is worst than having snow. It means that your
driveway has just become a skating rink.
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