With winter slowly approaching, Safe Communities Humboldt and Area is once again ensuring that all residents are prepared for the dark days of Saskatchewan's upcoming season.

The organization hosted the first of two winter preparedness clinics on Thursday night at Carlton Trail College in Humboldt.

Executive Director Shari Hinz noted that with the population continually evolving, it is important to keep offering the service each year.

"Given the number of new Canadians that come to our region every year, there is definitely a need to host these each year," she explained. "There is also a good number of tips for even those who have been here a long time."

Hinz says that they wanted to team up with Carlton Trail to use the opportunity as a learning tool for one of their classes.

"They hosted during their English Second Language classes so that we can have a better turnout and reach more people in our community that may not have experienced a Saskatchewan winter previously."

Another clinic will be taking place at LeRoy School on Friday from 6:00 to 7:30pm.

Hinz noted that the clinic goes over a variety of topics.

"Heating your home safely and properly with some general fire safety tips. We will be addressing pedestrian and road safety," she said. "We'll be talking about child safety, as well as things like frostbite, frostnip, hypothermia, and proper dress to eliminate those conditions."

Among the presenters during Thursday's session in Humboldt were Darrell Wickenhauser of the Humboldt Fire Department, Brenda Shrader from SGI, Sandy English of PARTNERS Family Services, and Joel Moorman from the Humboldt Ambulance.

Prior to the clinic, Safe Communities and Humboldt Regional Newcomer Centre were welcoming donations of winter clothing, which are being given away at the clinics to assist those who are in need.