Calgarians urged to prepare for incoming cold snap
Many Calgarians enjoyed the weekend-long break from frigid temperatures, but just when it seemed safe to go outside, another blast of winter is heading this way.
Lows back into the -30s are expected this week, along with snow and high winds. After a somewhat hectic cold stretch to finish off 2021, there are ways to prevent frozen pipes and stalled vehicles before the mercury plunges once again.
"It's been really busy for us because all of the frozen lines," plumber Micheal Brock told CTV News. "We had a few days of more than 100 calls, and of the major ones, probably about 90 per cent were preventable."
Brock, who owns Mr. Mikes Plumbing, says there are things Calgarians can do to save themselves a massive bill when the incoming frigid temperatures hit.
"The biggest thing that all homeowners can do is pull out your furnace (filter) and inspect it," he said. "If it looks dirty, just change it. Also check outside and clear any ice that's stuck there (built-up on pipes)."
And if you know your home insulation is prone to problems, Brock says to consider leaving the taps running at a low drip.
"Especially if you've got an old house," he said.
Vehicle prep is also important.
Make sure any trucks or cars are plugged in overnight, and fill your tires and gas tank.
Helene Hamilton with Calgary EMS also recommends having "an emergency kit available to you in your vehicle, in case there are problems."
"Even if it's just a quick run outside, dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear," Hamilton said.
If you're working outside, try to take a break every 10 to 15 minutes. Also keep an eye out for signs of hypothermia, like confusion or difficulty speaking.
And, as always, there's one foolproof way of staying warm.
"If you can stay indoors when we get into those extreme cold temperatures, prevention is always key," Hamilton said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.