Winter Safety | Town of Cochrane

circle image of frozen tree branches with blue sky in the background

Extreme cold warning

With temperatures plummeting, it's crucial to prioritize safety. We want to ensure our residents are safe and out of the cold.

• Minimize outdoor exposure; dress in layers and cover exposed skin. Stay as warm driving as you would while walking in the cold.

• The RancheHouse and The Station are open to anyone needing a warm place to go during operating hours.

• If you must drive today, use extreme caution and leave plenty of time.

• If it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside.

• If you are in distress or see anyone in distress, call 911.

Winter is here to stay

Here are some rules of thumb to help keep you safe this winter.

Drive with caution.

Leave extra time to get to your destination. Turn on your headlights on, avoid high speeds and leave lots of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

Shovel your walkways or ask for help!

As a Cochrane homeowner, you are responsible for shoveling your walkways to ensure that there are no slips and falls on your property. If you are unable to, reach out to a neighbour, friend or contact local companies to do the job.

Wear warm winter clothing.

Dress in layers and have proper winter shoes or boots, hats, and gloves to help you stay warm, dry, and slip-free.

Prepare an emergency kit.

You never know when a winter storm may hit, whether you're out on the road or at home, it’s important to be prepared. Pack a bag with candles, water, blankets, matches, first aid kit and any other emergency supplies.

Ice safety

Although it may be tempting to walk, skate or play on frozen bodies of water, think twice! Venturing on to frozen bodies of water puts your safety at risk.

Ice-covered rivers, storm ponds and creeks are extremely dangerous. The surface may look solid, but changes underneath create unstable and unsafe conditions.

Be ice safe:

Call 911 if you see someone on the ice.
Don’t put yourself at risk. Never go onto the ice to rescue people or pets. Call 911.
Avoid frozen riverbanks as the water may be below the ice surface, causing you to slip and fall into the water.
Only go on designated areas such as the Tim Banister rink and Mitford Pond. These ae tested and maintained by the Town of Cochrane.

Stay off & stay safe!

image of a smoke detector with a green background in it

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Maintaining your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is an important part of keeping your home safe. Follow these rules when checking your alarms & detectors:

Test your alarms/detectors once a month to ensure they are working.
If devices are battery-operated, replace the batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall each year.
Keep a close eye on the expiration dates and regularly test your alarms/detectors.
Don’t ignore chirping alarms, they indicate that the device has a problem or an error.
Practice your family home escape plan every month.

Snow shoveling safety

Safe shoveling

Take precautions when shoveling

Clearing snow, ice and other debris off of your walkways can be taxing, especially in extra cold, snowy or icy conditions. Follow these tips to help reduce your risk of injury and stay safe.

Prepare your body for physical activity. Warm up properly by doing some light stretches before you head out.
Wear boots or shoes with good treads. Minimize the risk of slipping by wearing appropriate shoes.
Use proper body mechanics. If possible, push snow instead of listing it. When lifting snow, bend your knees and lift with your legs to avoid injury.
Use proper equipment. Make sure you are using the appropriate tools that work for you. Use a lightweight shovel with sharp blades o help lift snow.
Pace yourself. Take breaks, stretch and stay hydrated so you don’t over-extend yourself.

Safe shoveling!

How to help you neighbours

Conquering the snow

SHOW SNOW SYMPATHY

Although easy for some, not everyone can get out and shovel safely. Be mindful and check on your neighbours who might need an extra hand this snowfall. It can be especially challenging for those with mobility issues, medical conditions, disabilities, injuries and other barriers that make it difficult.

If you notice someone in need this winter, offer help when you can. Taking a few extra minutes out of your day can make a big difference in the lives of others.

Looking to lend an extra hand this year?

Visit helpinghandscochrane.ca to find to volunteer for the Snow Helper Program.

Let's work together to create a safer community for all!

Need a hand?

You don't have to do it alone

As a Cochrane resident, it is your responsibility to clear snow and ice off your sidewalk after a snowfall, but we understand that not everyone can get out and shovel safely. It can be especially challenging for those with mobility issues, medical conditions, disabilities, injuries and other barriers that we may not physically see.

Need an extra hand this snowfall?

Ask a neighbour for help. You might be surprised who is willing to lend a hand!
Support a local business who can do it for you. There are also lots of Cochrane-based businesses that offer snow removal services. Visit Cochrane's Business Directory for more.
Reach out to local non-profits for help. Organizations like the Helping Hands Society of Cochrane have programs that offer help.

Holiday safety

Don't let safety take a holiday

Seasonal set up

'Tis the season for safety

As we head into the holiday season, keep safety top-of-mind when setting up lights and seasonal decor. Although a fun and festive activity for the whole family, take necessary precautions to keep you and your family free of danger and your holiday season merry and bright.

Follow these tips for holiday safety set up:

Inspect all cords for damaged insulation and outlets for loose plugs before using.
Replace broken bulbs with exposed filaments and make sure all extension cords and lights are CSA or ULC approved.
Use only outdoor-rated electrical cords and lights outside.
Do not overload power outlets. Use a surge protector if multiple outlets are needed.
Never run electrical cords and extension cords through or across doorways.
Always unplug lights before leaving your home or going to bed.
Use ladders that are the correct size and set at a proper angle for the job.
Always have someone hold the base of the ladder securely when climbing.
If you have a real tree, water it daily to avoid it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Do not use candles on or near trees or other flammable decorations.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Fire place safety

Keep you fire place safe

With the recent cold weather and the holiday season at hand, cuddling up inside has never been more appealing!

While you stay warm inside, be mindful of holiday fire hazards and learn how you can avoid them.

Keep flammable items away from your fireplace, lit candles and any other open flames.
Clean your fireplace regularly to prevent chimney fires.
Never leave candles or fires unsupervised. Extinguish before leaving the room, house or going to sleep.
Don’t burn wrapping paper or boxes in your fireplace.
Always use a spark guard or fireplace door to keep logs and sparks in the firebox.
Don't use a potted plant as an ashtray, even outside!
Water your live Christmas tree daily and avoid putting candles near it.

Kitchen safety

Holiday kitchen safety

When we think of the holiday season, delicious food and tasty treats come to mind. There’s a lot of cooking and baking over the holidays, so it’s important to keep safety in mind when creating your festive foods.

Whether you’re hosting a get-together or bringing a dish along with you, prevent kitchen fires with these safety tips:

Never leave your cooking unsupervised.
Turn off the stove elements and oven when you’re done cooking.
Keep pot handles turned in to prevent spills and burns.
Keep combustibles away from heating appliances and stove tops.
In the event of a pot/pan fire, place a lid or cookie sheet on top to smother the fire. Call 911 when needed for help.
Never try to carry a burning pan/pot outside.
Have a certified fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen.