Winter storms in Canada can bring unexpected challenges, from power outages and icy roads to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Proper preparation, as recommended by leading Canadian authorities, is the key to keeping your family safe, comfortable and worry-free.
Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Red Cross highlight the increased risks that winter storms pose to our safety, including car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning. They also warn about the effects on infrastructure, such as prolonged outages of heat, power, and communication services. Preparing beforehand is crucial to protect ourselves and our loved ones, allowing us to respond and recover effectively.
Our Head of North America personal lines offers tips to prepare for the storm and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
Stock up on essentials
- Non-perishable food and water: We suggest aiming for a three-day supply of canned goods, bottled water (four litres per person, per day), and snacks. The Canadian Red Cross advises getting non-perishable food, water, and medicine before a winter storm, preparing with enough supplies to last at least three days if you need to evacuate or two weeks if you plan to shelter at home. Public Safety Canada reinforces the need for enough supplies to last several days without power, considering specific needs for everyone in your household.
- Medications: It’s critical to refill prescriptions and have a basic first-aid kit ready. The Canadian Red Cross lists a first-aid kit as an essential item in an emergency kit, along with prescription medication.
- Flashlights and batteries: Check your flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries to ensure you’re not left in the dark. The Canadian Red Cross and Public Safety Canada explicitly recommend having hand-crank or battery-powered flashlights and radios with extra batteries.
- Warm clothing and blankets: The Canadian Red Cross highlights the importance of having ample warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household. Health Canada and the Canadian Red Cross advise dressing in layers of warm clothing with a wind-resistant outer layer, a hat, mittens, and a scarf to prevent heat loss if venturing outdoors.
- Insurance information: Keep your insurance carrier’s phone number and your policy numbers somewhere easy to find. Quick access to this information will help you get assistance or file a claim quickly if your property is damaged during a winter storm. This best practice helps streamline any necessary claims from the unpredictable nature of winter weather.
Prepare your home
- Insulate pipes and windows: Prevent freezing by insulating pipes and sealing window drafts. Public Safety Canada advises insulating water lines along exterior walls and sealing drafts with caulking and weather stripping. The Canadian Red Cross also stresses winterizing your home with insulation and weather stripping to prevent pipes from bursting.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure your alarms are working, especially if you’ll be using alternative heat sources. Public Safety Canada recommends installing and testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. They emphasize that battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors should be near every sleeping area, as poisoning is prevalent during colder months due to increased use of heating and generators. The Canadian Red Cross warns against using fuel-burning devices like barbecues or generators indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep shovels and ice melt handy: Clear walkways and driveways promptly to prevent slips and falls. Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Red Cross recommend having rock salt or an environmentally safe alternative, along with shovels, ready to melt ice and improve traction.
- Check your heating system: Schedule a maintenance check for your furnace or fireplace and have fuel (if needed) on hand. The Canadian Red Cross suggests having an alternative heat source, such as a space heater, gas fireplace, or wood stove, as part of emergency preparedness.
Stay informed
- Monitor weather updates: Download weather apps and tune in to local news for the latest storm information. Both Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Red Cross advise signing up for local emergency alerts and checking weather forecasts, particularly from environment and climate change Canada. Health Canada stresses regularly checking forecasts for several days of notice.
- Emergency contacts: Keep a list of important phone numbers, including local utilities and emergency services, as part of your emergency plan.
Plan for power outages
- Charge devices: Make sure cell phones, power banks, electric vehicles, and other essential electronics are fully charged. The Canadian Red Cross reminds us to have backup batteries to charge phones.
- Alternative light and heat sources: Prepare lanterns and safe portable heaters (follow manufacturer instructions). The Canadian Red Cross warns against using candles due to fire risk, recommending battery-powered lights instead. They also advise against using cooking ovens or stoves for heat to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Public Safety Canada emphasizes learning safe heating practices to avoid fires and co poisoning.
- Backup power: Consider a generator for critical appliances, but always use it outdoors and away from windows. Both the Canadian Red Cross and Public Safety Canada stress that generators should only be used outdoors and away from windows to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup
- Electric vehicle owners: Fully charge your EV prior to the storm, as cold temperatures reduce range and home charging won't be available. If your vehicle supports it, consider its battery as a limited backup for essential devices.
Don’t forget your vehicle
- Winterize your car: Public Safety Canada advises checking and winterizing your vehicle. Make sure fluid levels are full, and that lights, heater, and windshield wipers are in proper condition, and check tire pressure. They also recommend keeping the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Installing winter tires is mandatory in many Canadian provinces.
- Emergency car kit: include blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a small shovel. Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Red Cross provide detailed lists for a car kit, including a radio, cell phone charger, windshield scraper, flares, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit.
Ready, set, stormproof
Taking these steps now will help you face winter storms with confidence. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Act today to protect what matters most. For more tips and supplies, visit our website or contact our team of winter preparedness experts. Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s weather the season together.
Disclaimer
WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).
