The snowfall which brought in the week blanketed the Weyburn area, and the entire southeast, with up to a foot of snow. For many kids, the mild temperature combined with the snowfall has meant time outside playing.

For many tobogganing, snowball fights and building snowmen are the norms. Others like to build snow forts and other structures.

Weyburn Fire Chief Simon Almond explained snow forts are a source of good fun for children, as they get outside for fresh air and exercise. Building them and playing in them, though, does come with an inherent danger due to the possibility of collapse, which could see a child buried under the snow.

“All we ask is that parents are mindful of what their children are doing, and keep an eye on them,” he said when talking with Discover Weyburn. “For kids, as they get a little bit older, to let their parents know what they’re doing.” Almond added the children need to be cognizant of what’s going on.

In the event of a child becoming trapped inside a collapsed snow tunnel or fort, Almond said the first thing a parent should do is call 911. This allows the fire department to get on the way as quickly as possible.

“If it’s safe for them to affect a rescue, go ahead and try the rescue. If they can’t wait for us to get there, and we’ll perform the rescue,” Almond stated.

He also had advice for children, who may be trapped under the weight of the snow after a tunnel or fort collapses on them.

“Try to remain calm the best they possibly can, and just get themselves into a position where they can get air into their lungs.”

Almond explained there isn’t a set of rules for scenarios like a collapsed snow tunnel fire departments follow. The key is doing the work needed, like digging out the collapsed tunnel, to get the person out.