The frigid weather has returned to the Lakeland Region as temperatures plummeted past -40 yesterday prompting bus delays, runny noses and a recommendation from the Fire Chief in the County of Vermilion River.

Kirk Hughes is the Fire Chief and the Director of Protective Services in the County of Vermilion River.

“My best piece of advice is, if you don’t need to go out – stay in,” Fire Chief Hughes told Lakeland Connect.  Also, if you have to go out on the roads, remember if there is snow, go slow.”‘

The Chief would like to you be prepared in case of break down, or if you go off the road and become stranded.

“Up here in the County of Vermilion River we don’t have a lot of access to toutons, so we recommend people that do have to travel, have a prepared vehicle survival kit,” Fire Chief Hughes said.

Fire Chief Hughes says your survival kit for winter driving should include the following:

• Thick blanket (like Grandma use to make)
• Survival candle and matches
• Jumper Cable
• Warm clothing (jacket, ski pants, toques, gloves, boots, socks)
• Emergency Flashlight
• Road Flares or Glowsticks
• SOS or “Help” sign
• Kitty Litter for traction
• Sturdy shovel
• Repair Kit (tools, duct tape, etc)
• First-Aid kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Cell phone charger cables or battery
• Reflective vest
• Tow cable

Fire Chief Hughes says most stranded people make arrangements to be towed out but their Emergency Services sometimes get called to respond.

“Our Peace Officers, who patrol the backroads after major storms, will pull over to check on passengers to make sure they are safe and don’t need any additional help,” Fire Chief Hughes told Lakeland Connect.

If you’re traveling during winter make sure your prepared.