Winter survival guide

Elena

For Canadians, coping with winter cold and snow is a fact of life. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during the country\'s chilliest months.

Snow shovelling
1 H6 R" z# C, O( wSome tips to reduce the strain when shovelling snow:
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: O( D6 X" x9 l9 `0 m8 L$ [Choose a shovel that\'s right for you. A shovel with an appropriate length handle is correct when you can slightly bend your knees, flex your back 10 degrees or less, and hold the shovel comfortably in your hands at the start of the shovel stroke.
When you grip the shovel, make sure your hands are at least 30 cm apart. This will increase your leverage and reduce strain on your body.
6 z6 [( a1 A. L! c1 {8 jWait until the afternoon to shovel. Many disc problems occur in the morning when there is increased fluid pressure in the disc because the body has been at rest all night.
Lift the snow properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist.
7 e% l& m4 z7 B6 t9 g6 D4 PStep in the direction in which you are throwing the snow. This will help prevent the low back from twisting.
: |4 l/ ~/ @5 Q5 {4 W' ~Tackle heavy snow in two stages. Begin by skimming off the snow from the top and then remove the bottom layer.
Take frequent breaks when shovelling. Stand up straight and walk around periodically to extend the lower back.
0 t& h; w4 {- N! [4 BDress warmly and make sure that your lower back is well covered. If your spine is exposed to the cold, your muscles can seize up and result in back pain.
( ^3 J9 E9 A; V6 TIf you have a health problem or are not in good shape, do not even consider snow shovelling.
Source: Canadian Physiotherapy Association

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1 W( |/ Z  y2 P6 R4 ~1 BWinter driving
Some tips to help you get to your winter driving destination safely:

; r4 Q) o' X( w# {. g4 rGet your vehicle a winter check-up. Make sure your battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes exhaust system, heater, wipers and ignition system are in good working order.
Survival kit
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Having the necessary supplies can be a lifesaver should you become stranded in a storm.

Ice scraper/snow brush
. a! b# _: n, X( {$ aShovel
Sand or other traction aid
Tow rope or chain
Booster cables
9 g1 r; S8 d* ?8 ~$ \% d" ^Road flares or warning lights
Gas line anti-freeze
Flashlight and batteries
( J8 |% v* o0 |# d4 e8 m$ L0 L9 q# mFirst aid kit
0 O6 ]1 U$ c2 G6 e3 d* MFire extinguisher
# |+ d9 H; P& w, P$ VSmall tool kit
0 z' n4 a1 \3 M3 P# K- i/ NExtra clothing and footware
Blanket
# `+ ]# p. _' C1 Y4 OCandle and a small tin can
Matches
- E* y# D0 e) a6 U/ ENon-perishable energy foods like chocolate or granola bars, juice, instant coffee, tea, soup and bottled water
. `0 u6 ?; U; W0 e, PRemember, if stranded in blizzard-like conditions overnight, make sure one person stays awake and keep your blood circulating by moving our feet, hands and arms.
Most importantly, make sure your tires have good tread and are appropriate for the weather in your neck of the woods. “All-season” tires may be good for some regions but snowbelt areas may want to consider winter tires.
3 S# ]# Q3 m* Z/ {% V" qBe sure your washer fluid is topped up and good for -40°C temperatures.
( S7 i1 X/ r5 U7 P1 w% MCheck weather and travel conditions before setting out and allow extra travel time if road conditions are bad.
1 Y: N9 R6 o% `' g( |9 eClear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof and wait for the fog to clear from the inside windows to ensure good visibility. Turn your lights on if visibility is poor.
+ o  ^$ Q- U2 X% lLeave at least a four-second stopping distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
/ h! j3 e9 v6 T7 ]2 o% K- N' XPractise proper braking. Don\'t pump. Press down hard until the wheels start to lock, then release just enough pressure to let them roll again. Gradually increase the pressure and repeat until you come to a full stop.
If stranded overnight, make sure one person stays awake and keep blood flowing by regularly moving your feet, hands and arms. Stay with your vehicle for warmth and safety and call for help. If you choose to dig yourself out, don\'t over exert, especially if you\'ve got a medical condition.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Canada Safety Council
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丑老头

这里是休闲之地。不想动眼睛。