- Stay indoors and off the roads:
- Wait out severe winter weather inside.
- Check a battery-powered or crank radio or weather alerts for road closures.
- Dress in warm layers:
- Wear multiple layers of lightweight clothing, warm socks, mittens and a hat.
- If heat fails, gather everyone in one room, close unused doors, and use extra blankets or sleeping bags.
- Heat safely:
- Use only indoor-rated space heaters, kept at least 1 metre from combustible materials.
- Never use a gas stove, oven, barbecue, camp stove or generator indoors or in a garage.
- Clear outdoor exhaust vents:
- Keep furnace, water-heater and dryer vents clear of drifted snow and ice.
- If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1.
- Protect pipes from freezing:
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is located.
- Let faucets trickle slightly or drain plumbing if indoor temperatures drop near freezing.
- If you must drive:
- Clear all snow and ice from windows, lights and the roof.
- Keep the gas tank at least half full.
- Carry your car emergency kit.
- Share your route and arrival time with family.
- If stranded in your vehicle:
- Stay inside your car so emergency responders can locate you.
- Turn on hazard lights and call for assistance.
- Run the engine only briefly for warmth, and only after verifying the exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
- Check on neighbours and watch for frostbite:
- Check on older relatives and neighbours who may need heat or assistance.
- Watch children and elders for frostbite: numbness or pale, white skin on ears, nose, cheeks, hands and feet.
Sources (5)
Steps 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 follow Canada.ca, Ontario and Canada.ca’s car kit guide; steps 3 and 4 follow Ontario fire safety and Ontario carbon monoxide safety.