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CAA advises Manitobans to prepare for historic blizzard

If national and international meteorologists are accurate, southwestern Manitoba is in for a treacherous few days starting the evening of Tuesday, April 12, so be prepared.
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CAA Manitoba gives roadside assistance to members.

Winnipeg, MB, April 12, 2022 – A potentially historical blizzard is about to hit the province, and CAA Manitoba’s Roadside Assistance team is ready. 

However, CAA Manitoba calls for Manitobans to stock up and stay home until the storm passes. 

“Keeping our Members safe is of vital importance to us and in this case, the safest thing to do is stay home,” says Tim Scott, president of CAA Manitoba.  

“Change your travel plans. Don’t drive anywhere if you can avoid it. Stock up on needed medication, food, water and make sure your emergency kit is ready to go.” 

CAA Manitoba will be closing all retail stores in Winnipeg and Brandon on Wednesday and Thursday in order to keep our Associates safe, Scott said. 

In the meantime, CAA Manitoba is getting ready for the expected increase in Roadside Assistance calls. 

Some of that prep work includes moving resources around to make sure common, at-risk areas of southern Manitoba are more heavily covered, scheduling additional drivers, and adding Associates in our call centre. 

Members can prepare by downloading the CAA Manitoba app to their Apple or Android device today and can use the app to request roadside service if needed.  

Wait times for service calls are expected to take longer than normal, as poor road conditions will hamper travel times for tow drivers, said Scott. 

As well, drivers need the area surrounding the vehicle to be clear of snow and debris to be able to safely help people, he added. 

“It really is best to stay home if you can,” he said. “We hope all Manitobans stay safe for the next few days.” 

 

What to do if you’re caught in the blizzard: 

  • If you're stranded, and you feel unsafe, call 911 for assistance. Turn on your hazards and make your vehicle as visible as possible.   
  • If you feel safe, call CAA Manitoba for assistance or request help in the CAA app. 
  • If you find yourself in a snowbank, don’t overexert yourself in an effort to free your vehicle. Going out into a storm puts you at tremendous risk.   
  • When it’s absolutely safe, check that your tailpipe is not blocked by snow and return to your vehicle and wait for help.  
  • While inside your vehicle, be sure to wear your seat belt.  

What should be in your household emergency kit: 

  • Your house should have an emergency kit with essentials for up to three days for all family members and pets. 
  • Your kit should include two litres of water per person per day including small bottles, food that won’t spoil (canned food, energy bars, dried foods), manual can opener, wind up or battery powered flashlights and radios, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and infant formula/pet food if needed.  
  • Other items to consider include candles, matches, toilet paper and period products, mobile phone charger and extra battery pack and prescription medications. 
  • Consider buying a backup generator for power outages.  

What to do if the power goes out: 

  • Understand that emergency response times may take longer than normal. 
  • Avoid opening doors and windows. Your home should stay warm for several hours.  
  • Do not cook on a barbecue indoors.  
  • Do not turn off a natural gas furnace – it will turn on when the power is restored.  
  • If the house is in danger of freezing, turn off the main water valve and run your taps to drain the water  
  • Unplug electrical equipment to prevent surge damage when the power comes back on, and turn off all electrical appliances, especially stoves or ovens.  
  • Find out the latest information about your emergency at manitoba.ca/emo  

 

About CAA Manitoba 

CAA Manitoba is a trusted Member-based organization that provides products and services that are essential to Members’ safety and peace of mind. With more than 210,000 Members in the province, CAA Manitoba advocates on issues such as road safety and infrastructure, the environment, seniors’ mobility, and consumer protection. From legendary 24-hour emergency roadside assistance to expert automotive, travel and insurance services, a CAA Manitoba membership offers a great range of savings, rewards, and benefits. For more information, visit caamanitoba.com. 

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