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Winter Storms

Heavy snow, ice, extreme cold, and blizzards can trap people at home or damage infrastructure. Prepare before winter; stay home during storms.

Risk Tier B Reviewed: verified on 2026-11-01

What is a winter storm?

Winter storms include heavy snow, blizzards, freezing rain, ice storms, extreme cold, and wind chill. These conditions trap people at home, block roads, knock down power lines, and burst frozen pipes.

BEFORE WINTER

Prepare your home

  • Stock emergency supplies for 3 days (see Emergency Kit Checklist)
  • Winterize: Insulate walls and attics; caulk and weather-strip doors and windows
  • Check roof and gutters for damage; ensure downspouts are clear
  • Test heating system and get it serviced if needed
  • Know how to shut off water in case pipes freeze
  • Have backup heat sources: Fireplace, wood stove (maintain chimney); avoid fuel-burning equipment indoors
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup in hallways and outside sleeping areas
  • Stock winter supplies: Shovels, salt/sand, extra blankets, batteries, battery-powered radio

Prepare your vehicle

  • Get winter service: Battery, tires, brakes, lights, antifreeze, wipers, windshield washer fluid
  • Keep fuel tank at least half full (prevent fuel line freeze)
  • Pack vehicle emergency kit with blanket, food, water, charger, first aid

Personal & household

  • Check on older adults and neighbors - Arrange regular calls during winter
  • Teach children: Address, phone number, location of emergency kit, shelter-at-home plan

DURING A WINTER STORM

At home

  1. Stay indoors. Roads are dangerous; rescuers cannot reach stranded drivers.
  2. Monitor weather via radio or TV; follow official updates
  3. Close interior doors to retain heat; minimize heated space
  4. If power fails:
    • Use blankets and sleeping bags; huddle together
    • Do NOT use stove, grill, or space heater for heat (carbon monoxide risk)
    • Keep generator (if used) at least 6 metres from home; direct exhaust away from windows/doors; never idle car in garage

In a vehicle (stranded)

  1. Stay inside. Vehicle is warmer than outside
  2. Keep tail pipe clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide backup
  3. Turn on hazard lights; turn off engine (or run 10 min/hour to stay warm)
  4. Call 911 if you have signal; otherwise wait for help
  5. Use blankets; eat/drink to maintain energy

Outdoors

  • Get to shelter immediately - any building is better than exposure
  • Cover exposed skin (face, hands, toes) - frostbite occurs in minutes
  • Remove wet clothing and replace with dry items

AFTER A WINTER STORM

Health checks

  • Watch for frostbite: Pale or waxy skin, numbness, blistering - rewarm SLOWLY (do not rub or use direct heat); seek care
  • Watch for hypothermia: Shivering, confusion, weakness - get person warm with layers/blankets; seek medical help
  • Check on older adults and isolated neighbors

Home inspection

  • Check pipes: If frozen, thaw slowly with warm water; call plumber if burst
  • Clean gutters and vents of ice and snow
  • Watch for roof leaks and water damage
  • Monitor for mold growth after thaw

Driving

  • Avoid driving until roads are cleared and treated
  • Drive slowly; watch for black ice (invisible even in good visibility)
  • Increase following distance (8-10 seconds behind vehicles)
  • Avoid sudden acceleration/braking (causes skids)