Dawson Creek, B.C., woman dies in extreme cold trying to get home from next-door neighbour's: police

RCMPin Dawson Creek, B.C., say a woman died of exposure early Sunday after failing to makeit back to her house from her next-door neighbour's home.

Detachment commander Staff Sgt. Damon Werrellsaid police received a call about the woman at 10:50 a.m. PT onFeb. 7. He said officers found the woman dead outside her home. Werrell saidthe two houses were not far apart.

"Our investigation determined the female had been visiting a friend the night before and had been consuming alcohol.She departed the residence at around 1a.m. ... and unfortunately did not make it home,"said Werrell.

According to weather records, temperatures dropped below 41C early Sunday in Dawson Creek, a town in northeastern B.C.

The region is under an extreme cold weather warning, with temperatures expected to sink as low as 45 C.

Extreme cold canbe a threat to life afteronly minutes of exposure.

People are warned to take precautions when travelling in extreme cold to ensure they make it to their destination safely. Advice includes packing warm clothes, avoiding travelling alone and maintaining contact with a friend or family member.