The continuing cold snap is taking a toll on everyone exposed to yet another day of frigid temperatures.
Wind chill of -30 or worse were experienced in many parts of our region.
Dressing for the elements helps, but it’s still a very frigid day to be outside, especially for people who work outdoors.
“Days like this are pretty cold,” admits letter carrier Lorne Hart. “You avoid the wind as much as you can, and trudge your way through.”
Outside construction is more difficult in these temperatures, and not just for workers. The big chill also takes a toll on tools.
“We’re prone to break downs,” explains renovator Paul Barrie. “Things freeze up. Compressors get a little bit of water in them and they tend to freeze.
In Saint John several buried water mains snapped after being shifted by heaving frost. A broken 8 inch cast iron pipe in the city’s north end forced cancellation of classes at a nearby elementary school.
A men’s homeless shelter in Sydney that normally operates at night has changed its rules because of the cold weather.
“It’s open from 6 at night until 10 in the morning usually,” says Clay Martin, who regularly stays at the shelter. “But right now because of the cold weather and wind chill factor, they leave it open during the day.”
Pets also need shelter from the cold. Veterinarians say animals can easily suffer from frostbitten paws and frozen ear tips when left outside for too long.
“I think it is important during the cold snap to give them very brief visits outside,” explains veterinarian, Dr. Leslie Pike. “Then bring them back inside the home, especially if your breed has a short coat.”
The cold snap also calls for an increase in electricity. Nova Scotia Power says demand is up 10 per cent.
The company has advised some of its largest commercial customers to be alert for possible power interruptions.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Randy MacDonald
