Severe Weather Risks

The Canadian climate can lead to extreme storm weather conditions in all parts of the country. From tornadoes to heavy snowfalls and ice storms, it’s important to know the risks and make sure your family and home are prepared for the worst nature can throw at you.

Be Prepared

• The most important survival tip for any natural emergency is simply to plan ahead. Follow the tips on this site to build an emergency preparedness kit and develop an emergency preparedness plan.
• Stay tuned to local news for severe weather warnings. Have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio available to use in case of a power outage.
• If extreme weather is forecast, make sure you know where your family members are and that they’re able to return home safely.
• Have a secondary heating source as a backup. If power fails due to severe winter weather, keeping warm will be a top priority. A fireplace, wood stove or even candle-based space heater can make all the difference.
• Stock up on extra non-perishable food and keep a supply of extra drinking water for all family members, enough to last at least 72 hours.
• Keep your car gas tank topped up and have extra cash on hand. Gas stations and banks may be out of service during severe weather.
• Keep window frames and outside doors well maintained, properly insulated and weathertight to prevent cold air and water from leaking in.

Survive Extreme Weather

• Avoid going outside in blizzard-like conditions, severe cold, ice storms or hurricanes, unless absolutely necessary. Severe weather and white-out conditions can reduce visibility to the point where you can easily become disoriented and lost, even in daylight.
• Stay inside and keep away from windows and glass doors in hurricane or severe storm conditions.
• If the temperature in your home drops to near freezing, turn off main water shut-offs and open all taps to drain your system. This will help prevent frozen and burst pipes.
• If severe winter weather leaves you without home heating, keep to one room in the house to concentrate available warmth. Close all internal doors to help with insulation.
• If power to the home has failed, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to help preserve food.
• Dress warmly in several loose-fitting layers and a hat. If your clothing gets wet (e.g. from shovelling snow) change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
• Eat and drink regularly to keep up your energy, stay hydrated and help maintain your body temperature.

After the Storm

• When a major storm has passed, it’s a good idea to check around your property for damage from fallen branches or other effects of the weather. If possible, record details of any damage BEFORE you clean up. Take photos or a video to help with your insurance company’s assessment.
• High winds and storm conditions may bring down power lines in your neighbourhood. Do not go near downed power lines. Stay at least ten metres (33 feet) away at all times. Call your local energy utility to alert them to the damage and keep family members away from fallen lines and downed trees that may have power lines tangled in them.
• After a heavy snowfall, be sure to check that air vents around your house are not blocked by snow. Clear excess snow from flat or low-angle roofs.
• Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly and disabled.
• Shovel safely. Winter snow clearance can be extremely heavy work. Many people have suffered heart attacks and back injuries from shovelling snow. Take your time and don’t try to dig out all at once. Rest often and drink plenty of water.