Coroners Service sounds warning after three cold-related deaths

Dec 16, 2016 | 9:44 AM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Coroners Service has a rare warning to BC residents about the recent cold snap.

Spokesperson Barb McLintock says three people have died in the course of the past two weeks, with their deaths partly related to cold weather.

“It’s a little bit much. We thought getting three in a couple of weeks like that, which is what prompted us to put this out. This seems to be a very cold snap, which seems to be going on for more days than it normally does.”

McLintock says two of those deaths took place in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.

She adds it’s important that residents check on their neighbours, especially the frail and elderly, to ensure they are keeping warm and have plenty of food and water.

“Quite often you find that the cold, which as we say is much harder on people who have health problems, or elderly and frail – it can be a combination of their health problems, even impairment, plus being very cold.” 

Two week cold snap may be about to end

Although you might not believe it, with temperatures hovering around minus 30 in Merritt this morning, and the wind chill at minus 28 in Kamloops, the severe cold snap may be about to come to an end.

Environment Canada says today may be the last of the real cold days, as temperatures will start a slow climb towards normal tomorrow. We could get a few flurries of snow Saturday, a sure indicator that the weather is getting a bit warmer.

By Monday, periods of snow are in the forecast and temperatures are set to get back up to the normal range for the year, with highs near the freezing mark by the end of next week. 

Vancouver is also looking at a return to normal conditions. Snow could fell in many areas the next couple of days, but by midweek, much of that will turn to rain. 

While it’s been cold, we haven’t set any records in Kamloops and aren’t likely to today either. The record cold temperature for today is minus 29, and we aren’t going to get anywhere near that low. Environment Canada forecasters say the biggest problem will be wind chill, as even the light winds forecast will drop the temperature substantially, so commuters are asked to bundle up before heading out, and let their vehicles warm up before starting out.

Speaking of vehicles, with the cold temperatures on the Coquihalla today, motorists are advised to check their coolant and other fluids before heading out, and make sure you have emergency provisions such as snacks, water, and warm clothing- just in case. And of course, a cell phone that’s fully charged in case of emergency.