This week, southwestern Ontario has been experiencing a frigid blast of winter weather that feels more like the Arctic than the Great Lakes. The wind chill has been brutally cold, making even quick trips outdoors a chilly ordeal.
For me, the extreme cold brought an unexpected plumbing problem. My sump pump line outside the house froze solid, completely halting the flow of water. It took me a few hours of painstaking effort to thaw it out, and I’m still not sure if my pump motor is functioning properly. That’s likely going to be my next project, but for now, I’m just grateful to have the water flowing again.
My hands and face went numb in minutes during my outdoor excursion, a stark reminder of just how dangerously cold it is. It’s simply too cold for anyone to be working outside comfortably, and I wouldn’t recommend it.
Tips for Staying Warm:
- Bundle Up: Put on multiple layers of clothing, with a under layer, warm mid-layer, and a waterproof top/outer layer.
- Cover Exposed Skin: Wear a hat, scarf, gloves, and a warm coat that covers your neck and ears.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of warm fluids like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to stay hydrated and warm from the inside out.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Minimize the amount of time you spend outdoors in these extreme conditions.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: If you have elderly neighbors or those with health conditions, check on them to ensure they are staying warm and have access to necessary supplies.
This arctic outbreak is expected to linger for a couple more days, so it’s crucial to take precautions to stay safe and warm. Let’s hope for a return to milder temperatures soon!
Leave a Reply