Originally Posted by dormy (Post 11779805)

The winters here are really not as bad as most people make them out to be. Don't get me wrong it gets incredibly cold, but during your day to day life you just don't seem to notice it being so bad.

The only home preparation that I do, is to ensure all external water outlets are turned off at the master point inside my home. I ensure my sump pump hose is disconnected. Try to clear out gutters etc, that is about all.

I ensure I get my car a full winter service (ensure they test your battery v important as weak batteries die in a heartbeat), in November, and fit my winter tires. I also ensure there are 2 blankets, a shovel, a 1st aid kit, knife, jumper cables, ice scraper, and a block heater extension cord in my car. I actually keep 2 sand bags in my trunk, these help weigh the rear axle down to assist with grip, and can be cut open and the sand/gravel used as traction if you get stuck. I have never had occasion to use any of these items, but, I am sure if I don't prepare I will need them.

Clothing, just make sure to wear lots of layers, a good pair of winter boots, and always keep gloves and a toque nearby. It rarely feels too cold, so its easy to forget these or not bother; but exposed skin will freeze in a matter of minutes, you just do not realise this. The morning weather reports are for ever given frostbite warnings, which I still find a little worrisome.

So long as you are sensible it is never a real issue.

Have Fun!

Originally Posted by scotdownunder (Post 11779876)

As someone who takes buses frequently my best tip would be to have a back up route in mind if you can and plan for the worst - although the buses are usually pretty good me and the 3yr old got turfed off one when it was -50C because it broke down. All had to huddle at the bus stop for 20 minutes to wait for the next one. So glad we were fully kitted out.
Take a note of the bus stop numbers you use and phone the transit to find out the actual time it is going to get to the bus stop rather than just when it is timetabled.
(and don't rely on your Winnipeg transit app on your i-phone cos the phone doesn't necessarily work in that temperature - the battery dies :eek:)

If you haven't already got one get the Winnipeg events guide each season - there's loads of stuff going on in the city over the festive season you won't want to miss! :thumbup: