It may seem kind of funny to East Kootenay folks; a warning about the cold weather.

We live with cold and the perils it brings and winter is no biggie; as long as we have shelter.

That isn’t the case on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island where freezing temperatures are rare and that has provincial authorities concerned.

With the forecast for several more days of unusually cold weather throughout much of the province, the BC Coroners Service is urging everyone to take special care of themselves – and each other.

Temperatures in the East Kootenay are expected to hit the -20s Friday and Saturday nights and -18 C Sunday evening, with daytime highs ranging from -14 to -17 C.

Conditions are expected to more seasonal levels by Monday., with lows of about -8 and highs of about -2. Flurries are possible.

The Coroners Service reported it is aware of three deaths so far this month in B.C. that may be related to extreme weather conditions – two in the Cariboo-Chilcotin and one in the upper Fraser Valley. Those cases remain under investigation, and causes of death have not yet been confirmed.

Hypothermia can be a killer for anyone, but the elderly, frail and mobility-challenged may be particularly at-risk if in circumstances where their core body temperature dips.

The BC Coroners Service reminds everyone that this can happen even in a residence or other building if the outdoor temperature is cold enough and the heating system for the building fails for some reason.

Especially in more rural and remote areas, neighbours are urged to watch out for each other and ensure everyone has shelter, warmth, water and food during the cold snap.

“If you know your neighbours are elderly, take the time to give them a call or drop by, just to make sure they are coping,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe.

Precautions should also be taken when outdoors with the wind chill factor, which combines the effects of temperature and wind, taken into account. Getting wet is also a factor, which greatly increases the risk for hypothermia, as is impairment with alcohol.

Another heightened risk in cold weather is fire or carbon-monoxide poisoning, especially if people turn to makeshift arrangements to try to maintain warmth in their homes, the BC Coroners Service warned.

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