Source: Government of Canada
January 2024 – Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) warns of extreme cold that could last for several days, with temperatures reaching as low as –50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit) with wind chill. The warning areas cover most of Canada’s western Provinces and territories, including heavily urbanized, populated areas like Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Calgary, and Regina.
The impact of cold emergencies goes beyond discomfort. It can result in power outages, transportation disruptions, and, most critically, could pose serious health risks to people. Especially vulnerable populations. ECCC warns that risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. Frostbite and other cold-related symptoms can develop within minutes of unprotected exposure, especially with wind chill.
Below we discuss the growing frequency of winter emergencies, compare urban vs. rural resilience to cold, and provide a list of four actions community emergency managers can take to increase resilience for extreme cold emergencies:
Map and assess local risks
Identify and support vulnerable populations
Anticipate compounding impacts on critical infrastructure
Lead public risk communication and education
Growing Frequency of Winter Emergencies
In recent years, communities across the globe have been impacted by a noticeable increase in extreme cold events. Climate research suggests that severe winter weather is increasing across many heavily populated mid-latitude regions (including most of Canada and the United States). Examples include the February 2021 winter storm across Texas and the southern United States, which killed at least 290 people and caused $196.5 billion in damages, or the December 2022 winter storm across Ontario, which killed at least 100 people and caused $8.5 billion in damages.
Rural vs. Urban Resilience to Cold
Rural and urban communities face distinct challenges when it comes to cold emergencies, and understanding these differences can help shed light on effective strategies for preparation and response.
Rural areas often have dispersed populations with limited access to resources. During extreme cold events, people in rural communities may experience increased difficulty in accessing services such as healthcare, emergency shelters, and reliable critical infrastructure like telecommunication, transportation, and day-to-day supply chains (food, fuel, imported goods). In some cases, rural infrastructure may be more susceptible to weather-related damage, exacerbating effects of isolation and distance from larger centres.
In contrast, urban areas face their own set of challenges during cold emergencies. High population density (including larger vulnerable populations), increased demand for resources, and complex, inter-dependent infrastructure systems can contribute to compounding impacts and emergencies. Urban areas are also more susceptible to issues like traffic congestion.
Whether a community is rural, urban, or somewhere on the spectrum in between, the important thing is for emergency managers to be aware of the unique, location-specific risks and vulnerabilities posed by extreme cold and winter storms. Understanding local risk profiles helps mitigate, prepare for, and respond to extreme cold emergencies.
Actions to Increase Resilience in Your Community
Emergency managers, policymakers, planners, and community leaders play a crucial role in enhancing resilience to extreme cold in their communities. Like many other hazard types, being prepared to respond to extreme cold requires an understanding of where these events can occur, the associated risks, vulnerable populations, and effective response strategies.
Here are four (4) actions to build resilience to extreme cold in your community:
Map and Assess Local Risks: Identify areas in your community that are most susceptible to extreme cold, such as locations with vulnerable infrastructure or limited access to heating resources. Utilize data from reliable sources (such as ECCC) to assess local meteorological information and analyze historical temperature trends. Understanding when and where extreme cold events are likely to occur will help to develop targeted response strategies.
Identify and Support Vulnerable Populations: Extreme cold events disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, low-income households, and those without adequate heating. Collaborate with healthcare and community service providers to implement and maintain spaces where vulnerable individuals can receive the services, care and assistance they need.
Anticipate Compounding Impacts on Critical Infrastructure: Cold weather can disrupt power grids, transportation, communication networks, and other critical infrastructure, which causes compounding impacts. Collaborate with critical infrastructure providers to understand risks and align a cohesive strategy through all four phases of emergency management.
Lead Public Risk Communication and Education: Conduct seasonal outreach programs to educate the public on cold-weather safety, recognizing signs of hypothermia, and practical steps for winterizing homes. Utilize diverse communication channels for widespread dissemination, empowering individuals to contribute to their own preparedness during extreme cold events. Raise awareness about cold-weather risks and provide practical tips to increase resilience at the individual level.
Need help with Risk Assessments, Planning, Collaboration, or Public Engagement?
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