Washing mugs in the tub and getting hooked on Pop-Tarts — here’s what to expect if you stay at home during construction from our friends at Houzz.
(just click on the link below)How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel
CANMORE & BANFF REAL ESTATE TEAM ~ GUIDING YOU HOME!
How to survive a snowstorm in your car - comfortably!
On October 2 we had the largest snowfall over 24 hours in recorded history, 60 cm/23.6 inches fell in Canmore and surrounding areas (RM Outlook).
If this happened to you, would you be prepared? Would you know what to do to stay safe?
Here are some safety tips to ensure you are safe and warm during an extended stay in a winter situation.Have an emergency kit in your vehicle.
You can make one up and stow it in the trunk or you can buy one. Top Gear 1017 Deluxe Winter Roadside Assistance Kit(89-piece) has almost everything you would need in a compact bag. Includes: Case, reflective safety vest, Eco traction to get your vehicle off snow and ice, ice scraper, hand warmer, candles/matches set, a hand charged LED flashlight (no batteries required), a pair of gloves, emergency survival wrap, rain and reflective emergency poncho, batter booster cables, reflective warning triangle, first aid kit, lightsticks, a multi-tool, zip ties, pvc tape, shop towel, duct tape, tire pressure gauge and whistle and a car care guide with safety information. You can get this on Amazon for under $60.
Additions to your safety kit.
The above addressed warmth and safety but one of the things people in their cars this week struggled with was hunger and thirst.
Add an unbreakable metal mug is a must. If your car battery dies you can still heat water over your emergency candles.
Purchase and leave in your kit some instant food packages and drinks such as cup of soup, tea, noodles or other items like protein bars and chocolate that you can find at your local grocery store.
Put a few bottles of water into your kit or use snow or rain to heat in your mug.
Do not forget a roll of toilet paper, tissues or wet wipes. If you cannot find a bush to go behind you can always use your poncho or emergency blanket as a shield from the elements or onlookers.
For extra comfort carry a sleeping bag, extra clothes, socks as well as a hat and mitts.
Add some entertainment such as books, cards or mind games into your kit and you are ready to go.
Tips to remain safe and warm
Call for help. If you do not have a cell phone, waive someone down. If there are no other cars around stay in your car unless you see shelter nearby.Always ensure that while you are in the car with it running to warm up that the exhaust is free and clear of snow. If your exhaust has gotten plugged you could get a carbon monoxide buildup in the car. Crack your window a bit while the car is running, just in case.
Keep the car off until you are cold and then check the tailpipe before you turn it back on to get some heat. It is suggested that 1 hour off and 10 minutes on will get you through. Only use your 12 v accessories (such as your immersion heater) while the car is running. This way you won’t run down your battery.
Stay hydrated. If you don’t have water melt snow or catch rain in your emergency blanket and put it in your mug to drink or warm for soup. Do your best not to eat snow, it can reduce your body temperature and you will get cold faster.
Put your roadside flares or triangle out so oncoming vehicles can see there is something ahead.
Keep your seatbelt on and engage your hazard lights. It may be uncomfortable to remain locked in but someone could come up behind and hit your vehicle.
Remove your seatbelt every now and then and do some exercises to keep your circulation moving and your body warm. Clap your hands, stomp your feet, move your arms and legs. Do not let your muscles stiffen up.
If there are other people in the car with you snuggle up to use body heat for warmth and entertain each other with stories, jokes or games.
Try to have fun and keep your spirits up.
Be Prepared! Be Safe!
Photo by Jonathan Knepper on Unsplash
Early Snow in the Mountains
Some of you are jumping up and down in anticipation of an early ski season. Others are cursing the snow gods and wishing the snow away. Either way you feel, we are in the midst of the first major snowfall of the year and we are expecting more. According to Environment Canada we are under heavy snowfall warning. It is expected to stop by morning. We may have even beaten the 1995 record of 10.0 cm for this day October 2. At this time in a backyard in Canmore there is 20.0 cm.For those that are driving the roads are slick. As of this writing, the Trans Canada Highway has been closed for 6 hours due to major accidents. In Calgary between midnight and 9:30 am there were 103 collisions reported. Edmonton is sending snowplows and sanders to Calgary to help with the load and they have hired snow plow contractors to assist as well. As many as 80 public transit busses were either delayed, had to change routes or got stuck and could not continue their routes. (CBC News)
511 Alberta says that there are multiple incidences that state the following: Incident Incident - HWY-1 EASTBOUND Both Directions Traffic advisory on HWY-1 EASTBOUND Both Directions at Wind Creek Activities: Use alternate route, Be prepared to stop, Traffic congestion, Expect traffic delays Comment. Highway 1 from Banff to Calgary is experiencing major traffic delays due to extreme winter driving conditions and heavy traffic volume. RCMP are advising travel not recommended.
If you are in the Bow Valley and want to check the road conditions with live reports there is a Facebook group called Bow Valley Road Conditions. This wonderful group posts up to the minute conditions live from group members.
If you are staying home remember that your muscles are not used to snow shoveling. Be careful and take it slow while you clear the snow off your decks, walks and driveway. Don't forget to watch for heavy branches that are under snow load and could break off.
The best course of action until the morning is to stay put, keep warm and stay safe.
Video feed from CanmoreAlberta.com