How to Stay Safe During Windstorms

With all of the wind warnings and windstorms that are whipping through Canada this year, many of us are getting used to the constant slamming of gates left open and the rattling of window panes. When you’re inside—as long as the wind doesn’t take down a power line or topple a tree, the raging sounds from outside can make inside seem especially cozy in comparison.

However, when you inevitably need to go outdoors, all of a sudden the wind can seem to be targeting you directly. Here are a few tips on how to avoid getting hurt during these storms:

Stay out of the forest. If you need to walk underneath or near trees, keep an eye on the branches and an ear out for cracking sounds. Keep your wits about you, in case a branch comes falling down. Ideally, of course, you’ll just stay inside where it’s safer.
In fact, any loose object can become a dangerous projectile, so walk and drive with extra caution, wherever you are.
To avoid causing damage on your own property, make sure that your house is well kept-up, with anything that has previously come loose nailed back down again. Also, make sure you move indoor furniture and garbage cans inside, along with any other loose objects.
Keep an ear out for wind warnings! It’s a good idea to tune into your local weather network regularly. Why not keep a radio on hand at all times—even if the power does go out—and use something like the FRX5 Cell/Tablet Charging Weather Alert Radio? If there is a wind warning, it means that winds will be blowing steadily at 60-65 kilometres per hour or more.
If you’re driving, slow down.
If you’re cycling, it’s easy for the wind to grab your bike and cause you to swerve—possibly into traffic. So be extremely careful, slow down, and consider whether you really need to be cycling at this time.

Of course, life goes on during windstorms, so it’s understandable that you may need to leave your house. When you do, exercise extreme caution and stay away from distractions such as listening to music or getting into conversations that are too involved. Focus on your safety first. And if you can, bring a first aid kit with you so that you can deal with whatever may come your way.

Article contributed by Sophie Wooding – Avid gardener and cyclist in Victoria, BC and Content Writer for Frontier.io