Thunderstorms & Tornadoes
Thunderstorms (common in summer; develop quickly):
- Heavy rain, lightning, strong winds, hail
- Can cause wildfires and prolonged power outages
- Every region of Canada is vulnerable
Tornadoes (rare but devastating; spring/summer, typically 4-8 PM):
- Violently rotating winds lasting minutes to hours
- Range 10 metres to over 1 km across
- Travel at 15-30 km/h average speed
- Canada averages 97 per year (2nd highest in world)
BEFORE STORM SEASON (March–September)
Prepare your home
- Identify shelter: Basement is best; interior room without windows is second choice
- Trim branches near house and power lines
- Secure outdoor items (furniture, grills, garbage cans)
- Inspect roof: Look for loose shingles
- Clear drains around home; ensure sump pump works
- Install battery-backup carbon monoxide alarm (if you have fuel-burning appliances)
Stock emergency supplies
- 72-hour kit with battery-powered radio (critical for weather alerts)
- Flashlight, batteries, first aid kit (expect debris injuries)
- Water (in case pipes break); non-perishable food
Subscribe to weather alerts
- Alert Ready on phone
- Environment Canada WeatherCAN app for local alerts
- Know difference: Watch = prepare; Warning = take shelter immediately
Practice with household
- Walk household to shelter location; time how long it takes
- Mark shelter clearly so everyone can find it quickly
- Teach children where to go during a watch/warning
DURING THUNDERSTORM
When thunder roars, go indoors
- Get indoors immediately - Even garage or shed is safer than outside
- Stay away from windows
- Avoid phones, plumbing, electrical equipment (lightning travels through these)
- Do NOT bathe or shower (lightning can travel through water)
- If less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, seek shelter immediately
Indoors
- Move to basement or central room, away from windows
- Stay away from radiators, stoves, sinks, metal pipes
- Use battery-operated light only (no electrical equipment)
Caught outdoors
- Get to shelter (any building, car, cave immediately)
- If in open area far from shelter: crouch low, legs together (minimizes ground contact)
- Do NOT lie flat; do NOT hold tall objects
- If in vehicle: stay inside; avoid metal; pull over away from tall objects
DURING TORNADO WARNING
Immediate action
- Get to shelter immediately - Do NOT wait for warning (watch is enough to take shelter)
- Go to basement or interior room away from windows
- Bring family and pets - Time is short
- Crouch against interior wall, cover head and neck
- Stay in shelter at least 60 seconds after tornado passes
- Do NOT use elevators; do NOT go outdoors to look
If in vehicle
- Pull over; set hazard lights
- If safe to exit and tornado visible: seek low ditch away from vehicle; lay flat, protect head
- Do NOT try to outrun tornado
- Do NOT shelter under overpass (increases wind, traps debris)
If in mobile home
- Evacuate immediately to sturdy building
- Mobile homes offer NO protection; do not stay
After tornado passes
- Stay in cover for at least 60 seconds
- Check for gas leaks before using switches (could ignite spilled flammables)
- Stay 10 metres from downed power lines
- Fill bathtub with water in case supply is cut
- Do not waste food/water
AFTER SEVERE STORM
Safety checks
- Wear sturdy shoes and gloves (debris has sharp edges)
- Check home for roof damage, broken windows, electrical hazards
- Do NOT use electrical equipment if water is present (electrocution risk)
- Watch for downed power lines (stay 10m away; call utility)
- Check on older adults and neighbors
Cleanup
- Do NOT attempt chainsaws; call professionals for large branches
- Do NOT touch branches in power lines; call utility
- Do NOT light matches/switches until sure no gas leak