The winter can be harsh for even those who have experienced it. It can be a real shock when it's your very first winter in Saskatchewan.

Safe Communities Humboldt and Area held two winter preparedness events on October 17 and 18th. They were to provide the public with the knowledge to ensure a safe winter for the whole family.

The two events were geared towards newcomers possibly experiencing their first winter in Saskatchewan. Topics of discussions included heating your home safely, suitable winter attire, detecting frostbite and hypothermia, roadway and pedestrian safety, as well as child winter safety. 

The event on Wednesday, October 17th was held in LeRoy at LeRoy School, while the event on October 18th was held at Carlton Trail College in Humboldt.

Shari Hinz, Executive Director of Safe Communities Humboldt and area commented on both events. She said, "It's just a great opportunity for people that aren't familiar with our Saskatchewan winters. They get the safety education that's going to help keep them not only stay active during the winter but safe on the road and while their out and about over the course of the winter months."

The Fire Department in both LeRoy and Humboldt conducted the heating your home safely topics, The Humboldt & District Ambulance Service, as well as the Lanigan and District Ambulance Service, handled the suitable winter attire and the frostbite and hypothermia education. SGI was in attendance to go over roadway and pedestrian safety. Finally, Partners Family Services took was there to teach newcomers about the child safety portion of the event.

In the days leading up to the clinics, Winter clothing and accessory donations were accepted at the Newcomers Center. "There were quite a few items donated, there was lots of great winter gear that those families were able to access at the two clinics," said Hinz

17 people attended in LeRoy while 16 were in attendance in Humboldt. Many of whom are going to be experiencing their first Saskatchewan winter in 2018.

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