P.E.I. towing company braces for cold snap on Feb. 4

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CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – The dispatcher at Shaw’s Towing in Charlottetown anticipates a long day on February 4th.

Mike Hennebury is referring to arctic air expected to impact PEI on February 3rd causing a bitter wind chill the next day.

“Well we certainly expect a lot of calls, especially with batteries, which are a bit on the edge at this time of year,” Hennebury said. “It was a mild winter. (Older batteries) haven’t failed yet so we expect it to get busier in cold weather.”

Allister Aalders, SaltWire Network’s weather specialist, said cold arctic air will flow in in the minus tens and twenties on the night of February 3 and the morning of February 4.

Temperatures are expected to drop to -26C on the night of February 3 – and that’s without wind chill.

The February 4th high is again -18°C without the wind chill.

Hennebury said there are a few tips PEI residents can follow to ensure their cars start in this cold snap.

“I would suggest letting (your vehicle) run for a bit before it gets too cold and make sure your battery is fully charged. That always helps.”

Hennebury added that adding antifreeze to gas lines doesn’t hurt, especially if the tanks aren’t full.

“It’s always good to fill up (gas tanks). You see, the less gasoline there is (in the tank), the more likely it is that condensation will build up in your tank.”

Ashley Travis, the development and communications coordinator at the PEI Humane Society, said people should be prepared to keep pets indoors.

“And be prepared that they probably won’t like that,” Travis said in a Feb. 1 phone interview. “Some of them might run to the door.”

She suggests activities for dogs, like treat-filled Kong balls, to keep them occupied.

“You can put peanut butter or soft dog food in it. Dogs can take hours to pull it apart.”

When people choose to let their pets use the restroom, Travis said the animal should be accompanied and kept on a leash.

“Remember, if you get cold, your dog will get cold. And be prepared that they might want to take a few short trips.”

She said if dogs have to go outside, they should put on boots to get snow, ice and salt out of their paws. Putting on a sweater is another good idea.

As for cats, Travis said if the cat tends to go outside, the owner should have the litter box ready for use this weekend.

Dave Stewart is a reporter at the SaltWire Network in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @DveStewart