It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week.
February is undoubtedly one of the coldest months this year and Environment Canada is reminding everyone about it with additional caution:
Environment Canada Predicts February to be Colder than Average
A mild December and January has transitioned to a frigid February.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Dan Kulak tells Mix News the average temperature this time of year in Fort McMurray is around -10.
He notes you’re not traveling south or you’re going outside for whatever reason – you should dress in layers and be aware of the risk of frostbite.
Kulak further stated that the past couple of years have also exhibited the same trend. It may not be exactly the same, but the region has grown to expect a warm January yet a cool late winter or early spring.
Still, in connection with the cold months ahead, the local community is helping those drastically affected by the extreme weather:
Local Organizations Preparing for Colder February but Safer Communities
Another extreme cold warning has gripped the region.
Dan Kulak, meteorologist for Environment Canada says this may be the result of the “polar vortex.”
In efforts to keep members of our community safe and warm many organizations are extending their services.
Due to the extremely cold weather in Wood Buffalo this week, Marshal House will be open for 24-hours until Feb. 10, 2019. Marshal House is an emergency shelter located downtown on the corner of Marshal Street and Manning Avenue.
The Salvation Army Shelter will provide a warm meal and bed to anyone in need with their out of the cold overnight mat program from 4 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. – Via mymcmurray.com
The local organizations are also accepting donations especially gloves and hats, what their patrons are mainly demanding for. On top of financial donations as well as volunteer opportunities, other items that are in demand are books, coats, and other clothing items.
Lastly, it seems emergency shelters will be the busiest this month and the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort McMurray is not spared from the responsibility:
Legion Offers Emergency Shelter After Forcible Evacuation from Downtown Apartment
Fort McMurray’s Royal Canadian Legion is acting as an emergency shelter after people were forced to leave their units at a downtown apartment building.
The approximately 200 residents were forced to leave Hearthstone Manor after a water line in their boiler room broke Monday evening, flooding the main lobby.
In addition to having a place to sleep, the Legion is also providing help with any medical needs, counselling services, food and anything else people need. – Via fortmcmurraytoday.com
Along with the temporary eviction of its residents, the building also suspended its regular functions and complete blockage of the upstairs.
That’s all for this weeks’ roundup. Check back on The A-Team blog for more news and updates on Fort McMurray.