Saskatchewan’s Senior Manager of Risk Reduction for Canadian Red Cross says preparedness is the most important factor when staying safe and warm during the winter.

Georgie Matharu says it’s important to be in tune with your surroundings.

“Be aware of what’s happening outside. Listen to your local weather station. Have the Sask Alerts app on your cellphone. All of these things will let you know what’s happening outside before you actually go outside.”

That way, you’ll know when it’s appropriate to layer up, or send the kids to school in the proper clothing.

She explains that stocking your car with all the essentials could mean the difference between life and death in the case that it breaks down. She lists some of these critical items you should have in the case of an emergency.

“Do you have a little car kit with you? They’re very useful. They have SOS banners that you can put in your window. Do you have a shovel in your car? You’ve got to make sure that if you’ve got that car running, that the exhaust pipe isn’t covered.”

Other items include blankets, snacks, and warm clothing.

If you have your cellphone, call for assistance, and if your car breaks down in a place with busy traffic, call 9-1-1.

If you find yourself outdoors enjoying some winter activities such as skiing, ice fishing, or tobogganing, she says layering up and staying dry are great ways to prevent frost bite and hypothermia.

Matharu explains that frost bite first targets your extremities, such as fingers, toes and ears. They go pale, or blue, and lose sensation.

“With hypothermia, it’s more of an internal thing. Our body temperatures drop too low, and it’s going to start to make you shiver. You’re going to feel cold to the touch, and you might even start to slur your words.”

She says if these signs are apparent on yourself or others, gently try and warm the cold skin up, and call 9-1-1 for assistance.