In mid-February, most of New Brunswick woke to the biggest snow event we have seen in a long while. Up to 80 cms of snow fell in some parts of the province, winds blew fiercely, and visibility on our roadways decreased to almost nil in many places. Snow drifted and piled up as fast it fell. On Sunday night, and early in the day on Monday, many agencies, including the RCMP, issued warnings to drivers about taking precautions and advised motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Of course, many vehicles still attempted to reach their destinations, with varying degrees of success. We know that New Brunswickers are used to winter's unpredictability and don't like to let the weather hold them back, but as police, we want the public to know the very real risks of venturing out in conditions like we saw last week.
On the Monday of the storm, the RCMP's Operational Communications Centre in Fredericton was abuzz with calls coming in from people dealing with the storm. Our operators took 75 traffic-related calls, ranging from people who had been in minor collisions and people stuck in snow drifts to those who found themselves completely stranded on the road, in whiteout conditions, wondering if they were going to be struck at any moment. Operators worked diligently to help talk frightened people through these situations, asking them where they were, what they could see, if they were feeling okay, whether they had any medical conditions or required any medications, or if there were any children or people with special needs with them, while also reminding them to keep their exhaust pipes cleared and to roll their windows down just a little to ensure that oxygen continued to flow in their vehicles. Some of these are questions many people may not even think to ask themselves before they set out on the road, but they are vital to help emergency operators triage the influx of storm-related calls coming in. Operators also kept in constant contact with other first responders, road clearing crews and plows, providing information and trying to give stranded people an idea of when they might be reached.
During the storm, the RCMP reminded motorists that if they did choose to venture out and get stuck, there was no way to guarantee an immediate rescue by police or other first responders. Without a doubt, the RCMP is devoted to public safety, and during this storm, our employees went above and beyond to assist people in need, assuming a number of risks in the process. In conditions like these, cars on the road can quickly become hazards to plow operators and create obstacles to getting the roads cleared in a timely fashion. This is one more reason to keep your car off the road in extreme weather: you don't want to slow the process of road clearing or slow down emergency responders trying to reach someone in a life or death situation.
Of course, not every storm is as severe as the one we just had. In cases where the severity of the weather conditions are questionable, we always advise drivers to check with NB 511 by phone or online at nb511.ca before heading out and to heed road advisories. Motorists should always drive for the road conditions and slow down in inclement weather. If you do get caught in poor conditions, our best advice is to reduce your speed, remain alert, put on your four way flashers to increase your visibility to other vehicles, and ensure that your windows and lights are completely cleared of snow, which will also increase your visibility, along with your ability to see. Always let someone know where you are going, what route you will be taking, and your expected time of arrival. You should also keep supplies like a blanket, flashlight, water and snacks in your car in case you do get stuck. If you are stranded, be sure your exhaust pipe remains clear so that you don't inhale fumes.
The weather we saw in early February slowed us all down, and the RCMP recognizes the frustration and anxiety that this caused for some. We were very fortunate that no one was seriously injured or died in this storm. The RCMP will always be out trying to make storms like these a little safer and smoother for all. Thinking twice before you head out will help us keep each other safe as we contend with the rest of this winter and the weather it sends our way.
Sgt. Chantal Farrah
RCMP in New Brunswick
Operational Communications Centre