Winter Storms

Winter storms kill more Canadians than tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hurricanes combined. Heavy snowfall and ice can make the roads treacherous and interrupt the power supply.

Check local weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel when a winter storm is forecasted.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

• Winterize your home to retain heat:
  • insulate walls and attics
  • caulk or weather-strip doors and windows
  • install storm windows or cover windows with plastic
• Get heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected once a year
• Bring pets inside and move livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water
• If you must go outside, dress in layers and wear non-slip boots, regularly check for frostbite (numbness or white areas on your face and body) and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow by taking frequent breaks.
• Receive instant weather alerts by downloading Environment Canada's WeatherCan mobile app
• Create a 72 hour emergency kit – don't forget your pets
• Make a plan and practice it with your family

Ice Storm Safety Tips

• Ice from freezing rain accumulates on branches, power lines and buildings. If you must go outside when a significant amount of ice has accumulated, pay attention to branches or wires that could break due to the weight of the ice and fall on you
• Never approach power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you could be electrocuted. Stay back at least 10 meters (33 feet) from wires or anything in contact with them
• When freezing rain is forecast, avoid driving. Even a small amount of freezing rain can make roads extremely slippery. Wait several hours after freezing rain ends so that road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads
• Rapid onsets of freezing rain combined with strong winds increase the chances for hypothermia. If you live on a farm, move livestock promptly to shelter where feed is available. Forage is often temporarily inaccessible during and immediately after ice storms

Additional Resources

• Winter Storms - Emergency Management Ontario
• Get Prepared – Government of Canada