As much of Canada faces winter storm warnings, here’s how to stay safe and warm

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Winter storms and extreme cold weather hit much of Canada over the weekend, causing thousands of power outages, flight cancellations and electrical grid warnings.

Canadians aren’t strangers to winter storms by any stretch – at least once a year, cities and towns across the country are battered by snow and sleet, rendering it difficult to leave the house, and in more extreme circumstances, stay warm at all.

But that doesn’t mean we couldn’t use reminders as to what to keep on hand and how to prepare for the worst of winter’s weather.

As weather warnings remain in effect across the country, here are tips to weather-proof your home, how to stay safe during a power outage and how to prepare for the next storm.

What to do around the house

Here’s what you should do before and during a winter storm to protect your house:

• Weatherproof your home by caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover your windows with plastic for an extra layer of insulation. The Red Cross also recommends insulating any water lines that run alongside outside walls to prevent your water supply from freezing during a storm.
• Keep a reliable heat source around in case of a power outage. Emergency heating equipment such as fireplaces or wood-burning stoves are helpful, or if you’re preparing in advance, a small generator is useful to have.
• Make sure you have a smoke detector and battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area that will be heated – test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
• To prevent all of the water pipes from freezing, leave a faucet on with a small stream of water running.
• Charge all your electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops, in advance.
• Keep snow shovels at the ready – even inside so they don’t get buried by snow.
• Stock up on and salt or sand to prevent slips on your front steps and sidewalk.
• Have fire extinguishers available and make sure your family knows how to use them.

Supplies to keep in case of emergencies

The Red Cross recommends keeping an emergency preparedness kit in your home with enough supplies to last your family for at least three days. The kit should have essential items, but also include “items that are unique to your own families’ needs,” such as baby items, medical prescriptions and pet food.

Here’s a list of everything you should keep in your emergency kit for a winter storm:

• First-aid kit
• Candles and matches
• Water
• Non-perishable food items and a can opener (cans, energy snack bars, etc.) – enough for three days of meals
• Flashlights and battery-operated radio
• Extra batteries and cellphone chargers
• Cash
• Extra layers, including hats and mitts
• Masks and hand sanitizer

How to stay safe during a power outage

Winter storms can lead to power outages as blizzards knock down power lines and high power demand overwhelms electrical grids. Here’s how to stay safe and warm during an electrical outage:

• First, check whether the power outage is only in your home. If your neighbours’ power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If your neighbours’ power is also out, contact your power or hydro company.
• Turn off all appliances and electronics, and turn the thermostat down to the minimum to prevent damage from a surge when the power is restored. Power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system, says Public Safety Canada.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, and a freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours.
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide, which can cause health problems and is life-threatening. If you are using a generator, Public Safety Canada says to make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to only operate it outdoors in well-ventilated conditions, away from doors or windows, to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the house.
• Turn off all your lights, except one inside and outside. This will help you and hydro crews know when power has been restored.
• Avoid unnecessary travel. Since traffic lights will be out, roads are likely to be congested.
• To stay warm, dress in layers and block drafts with towels to conserve heat.

What to do to prepare your vehicle

Here’s what you should do before a winter storm to prepare your car:

• Before winter approaches, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check your car’s battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil.
• Install winter tires.
• If it’s cold out, plug in your car’s block heater. Some experts say to plug in if it’s below minus 15 C, the temperature when oil starts getting thick and doesn’t flow normally. Natural Resources Canada suggests plugging in your car two hours before you start it.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
• You should always keep these items in your car, according to the Red Cross: a windshield scraper; a small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats; matches in a waterproof container; a brightly coloured (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna.
• A more extensive winter survival kit for your trunk might include a bungee cord, a hanger for repairs and a multipurpose tool such as a Swiss Army knife, along with oil to ensure it doesn’t rust shut.
• The Red Cross also recommends storing an extra coat, pair of gloves, hats, boots, pieces of warm clothing and extra blankets in the car for every member of your household.

Where to get weather information

Staying informed can help you make smart decisions about whether it’s safe to travel.

• Tune in to weather reports on the radio or online to find out about local conditions
• Check your local hydroelectric power provider for outages and anticipated repair times
• If you have online access, check Environment Canada’s site for updates for your area
• Hashtags like #BCSnow, #ABStorm, #MBStorm, #ONStorm, #QCStorm, #NSStorm, #NBStorm and #NLwx are often used by meteorologists and news stations on social media to give further information
• Don’t forget to check in on neighbours, especially those who may have difficulty accessing information and clearing their pathways

With a report from Samantha Edwards