Companies that rent vehicles were overrun with requests this week as the deep freeze took hold of Red Deer.
Brittney Strome, manager at Scott’s 180 Rental, said by Monday or Tuesday, all her vehicles were rented, and the waiting list started growing.
“Ever since then, the second a vehicle comes back, it goes straight out again,” Strome said.
“I even have other rental companies calling me to see if I have rentals for their customers.”
She said every winter, people need rentals because their vehicles start breaking down, batteries die, or they’re involved in collisions.
The colder it gets, the more people require her help, and it’s good to be able to provide a service that people need, said Strome.
“It’s unfortunate, given the circumstances of people’s vehicles, but it’s good to be busy.”
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Strome can sympathize with her customers. Her vehicle wouldn’t start this week either.
“I had to get my significant other to drive me to work. My dad faced the cold weather, and fixed my battery for me, and brought my vehicle to work, which was really nice of him.”
Environment Canada says Red Deer should reach a high of -27 C on Saturday, with a wind chill of -44 C in the morning and -36 C in the afternoon. Frostbite will remain a concern.
The overnight temperature should only drop to -26 C, compared to recent lows that were closer to -40 C.
The forecast high for Sunday is -14 C, with an overnight low of -14 C.
Monday’s temperature may reach a high of -1 C.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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