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Winter Patrol Safety Course for Security Guards 2026

This course is for security guards who patrol outdoors or drive between sites in a Canadian winter. It covers wind chill, how to dress and pace your work, how to spot and respond to frostbite and hypothermia, and how to stay safe on icy ground and winter roads.

  • Security course
  • Canada
  • 25 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 15 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Start with the lessonsWinter Patrol Safety Course: Lessons: about 15 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Use the wind chill index to judge frostbite risk
  • Dress in layers and plan warm-up breaks
  • Recognize frostnip, frostbite and the stages of hypothermia
  • Give basic first aid for cold injuries and know when to call 911
  • Drive and walk more safely on snow and ice

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    What does wind chill describe?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. How cold it feels on your skin when the wind blows

    Wind chill is how much colder it feels when windy; it is not measured with a thermometer.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    At a wind chill of -28 to -39, how fast can exposed skin freeze?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. In 10 to 30 minutes

    Environment and Climate Change Canada lists 10 to 30 minutes for the high-risk range.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    At a wind chill of -40 to -47, how fast can exposed skin freeze?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. In 5 to 10 minutes

    The very high risk range lists 5 to 10 minutes for exposed skin.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Why should you be extra careful in steady winds over 50 km/h?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Frostbite can happen faster than the chart shows

    In sustained winds over 50 km/h, frostbite can occur faster than indicated.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    In high wind chill, what should you check often?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Your face and extremities for numbness or whiteness

    Numbness or whiteness of the face, fingers and toes is an early sign of freezing skin.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Why is wet clothing dangerous in the cold?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It pulls heat from your body much faster

    Moisture greatly reduces insulation and increases heat loss.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Which material is a poor choice for your inner layer in winter?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Cotton

    Cotton stays damp; wool and synthetics keep you warmer when wet.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    What is the main job of the outer layer?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Blocking wind and water

    The outer layer should be wind-resistant and waterproof in wet conditions.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    You start to sweat on a long foot patrol in the cold. What should you do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Open zippers or remove a layer before you get soaked

    Letting sweat escape keeps layers dry and warm.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Why should your socks not be too thick for your boots?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Tight socks can squeeze your feet and cut blood flow

    Overly thick socks can restrict circulation and make feet colder.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Which drink is the best choice during a cold shift?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drink

    Warm non-alcoholic drinks help; caffeine should be limited and alcohol avoided.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Why should you avoid alcohol before or during cold work?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It gives a false feeling of warmth

    Alcohol can make you feel warm while you are actually losing heat.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Which is a risk factor for cold injury?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Fatigue

    Fatigue, alcohol, smoking and past cold injuries raise the risk.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    What does frostnip look like?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. White or yellowish skin that stays soft

    Frostnip is mild; the skin looks white or yellowish but stays soft.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    A coworker has frostbitten fingers. Which action can cause more damage?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Rubbing or massaging the fingers

    Rubbing frostbitten skin can cause more damage.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    What water temperature is used to actively warm frostbitten skin?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Just above normal body temperature

    Health Canada says to use water just above body temperature, not hot water.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which sign suggests stage 1 (mild) hypothermia?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Shivering and numb hands

    Mild hypothermia brings shivering, goosebumps, numb hands and tiredness.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    A person has strong shivering, clumsy movements and mild confusion. What should you do?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Call 911 and warm them gradually while you wait

    These are signs of stage 2 hypothermia, which needs a 911 call.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    What simple check can show hypothermia is getting worse?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Whether the person can touch their thumb to their little finger

    Trouble touching the thumb to the little finger is a sign of stage 2 hypothermia.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Why should you not try to stop a cold person's shivering?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Shivering helps raise body temperature

    Shivering produces heat and helps warm the body.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    Below what temperature do all-season tires begin to lose traction?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 7°C

    Transport Canada says all-season and summer tires begin to lose traction below 7°C.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Where does black ice often form first?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. On bridges, overpasses and shaded spots

    Ice forms first in shaded areas and on bridges and overpasses.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Your patrol vehicle starts to skid. What should you do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Ease off the gas or brake and steer where you want to go

    Easing off and steering in the direction you want to go helps you regain control.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    You are stranded in your patrol vehicle in a storm. What should you do?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Stay with the vehicle, call dispatch and run the engine only now and then

    Stay with the vehicle, open a window slightly, use flashers and run the engine sparingly.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Why should you never warm up a patrol vehicle in a closed garage?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Exhaust carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels

    Vehicle exhaust in poorly ventilated spaces can expose people to dangerous carbon monoxide.

What to know before the test

  • At a wind chill of -28 to -39, exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes; at -40 to -47, in 5 to 10 minutes.
  • In sustained winds over 50 km/h, frostbite can happen faster than the wind chill chart shows.
  • Do not rub or massage frostbitten skin. Warm it gradually, for example in water just above body temperature.
  • Stage 2 and stage 3 hypothermia need a 911 call. Do not try to stop a person's shivering, because it helps warm them.
  • Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine when working in the cold. Alcohol gives a false feeling of warmth.
  • Below 7°C, all-season and summer tires start to lose traction; winter tires shorten stopping distances on ice.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I patrol outside in extreme cold?

It depends on the wind chill, your clothing and how hard you are working. At -28 or colder, skin can freeze in 30 minutes or less, so plan short rounds with warm-up breaks and follow your employer's cold weather plan.

What should I wear for winter patrol?

Wear layers: a moisture-wicking inner layer, an insulating middle layer and a windproof outer layer. Cover your head, face and hands, and wear insulated, waterproof boots. Avoid cotton next to the skin.

What should I do if my patrol vehicle gets stuck in a storm?

Stay with the vehicle, call dispatch, turn on your flashers, open a window slightly for air and run the engine only now and then. Never run the engine in an enclosed space.

How can I tell if someone has hypothermia?

Early signs include shivering, numb hands and tiredness. Worse signs are strong shivering, clumsy movements, confusion and blue lips. If shivering stops and the person cannot think or walk well, call 911 right away.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.

Sources

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