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 Clinics on October 8th in Humboldt and October 9th in LeRoy. They were to provide the public with knowledge to ensure a safe winter for the whole family.

The two clinics were mainly geared towards newcomers possibly experiencing their first winter in Saskatchewan.

"Any individuals who were new to our province or country that had not experienced a Saskatchewan winter were encouraged to attend and get information," said Shari Hinz, Executive Director of Safe Communities Humboldt and Area. "We went over how to prevent and treat winter conditions like frostbite, frostnip, hypothermia, and those types of things. We also went over pedestrian and road safety, how to heat your home safely and efficiently, as well as some information on child safety in the winter months."

In attendance, providing information, were members from the Humboldt and District Ambulance, Humboldt Fire Department, SGI, and Partners Family Services, among others. 

Paired with the Winter Preparedness Clinic was a call out for donations of winter clothes and accessories which garnered a wide selection for the Newcomers Center.

"We began the drive back in early fall. Anyone who had gently used winter items to donate, they were asked to provide them for the Humboldt Regional Newcomers Center. We actually received quite a few items. There were a number of blankets, winter coats, boots and gloves. Anyone who participated in the Winter Preparedness Clinics had a great selection of items to choose from."

For anyone who has experienced Saskatchewan winters in their past, learning new or refreshing current safety information can be a great tool to have. For someone who has never experienced it, it's instrumental.

"Winter can come upon us pretty quickly. Temperatures and road conditions can change quickly as well. Giving individuals, especially those who have not experienced a Saskatchewan winter previously, information on how to prepare, how to be safe, and how to make good choices that don't put yourself at risk, that can make a difference between saving a life at times."

Just about 25 newcomers filled out the attendance for the Winter Preparedness Clinics.