Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms & Extreme Cold
Prepare for Winter Storms & Heavy Snow
Being prepared for a winter storm is essential to keeping your home running efficiently and safely throughout the winter, as extreme cold and heavy snowfall can create issues for the unprepared. From your HVAC system to your driveway, here are some tips to help you be ready for whatever comes your way this winter.
Preparing for Winter Storms & Heavy Snowfall
Be Prepared with Food, Water and an Emergency Kit
- Food and Water: Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and medications to last several days in case snow and ice block roads or delivery systems.
- Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, blankets, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, and phone charging cables with portable power banks that have been charged.
Maintain your Roof and Gutters
- Clean your Gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams and ensure proper water drainage when snow begins to melt.
- Inspect Your Roof: Ensure your roof is in good condition and can handle the weight of heavy snow. If your roof is in need of repair, you can consult a pro for assistance.
Ensure Safe Access to your Home and Clear your Pathways
- Clear Walkways and Driveways: Before heavy snowfall, make sure your walkways, driveways, and steps are clear of debris and ensure you have the tools to remove snow easily, like snowblowers and shovels. Keep them on your porch or somewhere they can be easily accessed.
- Stock Up on Ice Melt or Sand: Have enough salt, sand, or de-icing materials on hand to prevent dangerous ice buildup on paths, stairs and driveways. You can also contact a driveway and sidewalk salting service contractor.
Prepare Your Heating and Plumbing Systems
- Service your Heating System: Have your furnace or heating system inspected and serviced before the snowfall to ensure it’s working efficiently.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes and keep cabinet doors open in areas with plumbing (like bathrooms and kitchens) to allow warm air to circulate.
- Test your Backup Generator: Make sure your generator is in working condition and have the proper fuel stocked in case of any power outages.
During & After Heavy Snowfall
Clear Snow and Ice Frequently
- Shovel Regularly: Don’t wait for the snow to accumulate too much. Shovel or snowblow small amounts frequently to prevent buildup and to make snow removal easier. The more it accumulates, the harder it is to shovel or blow.
- Apply Ice Melt: After clearing snow, spread ice melt or sand on pathways and driveways to prevent ice buildup and slipping.
Handle Snow on the Roof
- Remove Excess Snow: Use a roof rake (with a long handle) to safely remove heavy snow accumulation from your roof, preventing ice dams and reducing the risk of leaks or structural damage.
- Avoid Climbing on the Roof: Don’t attempt to clear the roof yourself unless you have proper equipment and training. If needed, hire a professional to remove snow safely.
Stay Safe During the Storm
- Avoid Travel: Stay off the roads until they’ve been cleared and conditions improve. Heavy snow can make travel hazardous, so wait until plows have had time to clear major routes.
- Keep Track of Weather Updates: Stay informed through battery-powered radios (if there is no power/internet) or mobile devices to monitor the weather, any advisories, and power outage updates.
Monitor Your Heating Systems and Power
- Ensure your Heating is Working: Keep an eye on your heating system to make sure it’s functioning properly. Clear outdoor vents and ensure no snow or debris is blocking them.
- Use Backup Power: In case of power outages, use a generator to run essential appliances like heaters or refrigerators. We can help you choose the best generator for your needs. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and proper venting processes when using a generator to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Post-Snowstorm Safety and Cleanup
- Inspect for Damage: After the storm, check for damage caused by snow accumulation, ice dams, or fallen branches. Look for any damage to the roof, gutters, windows, or fences.
- Clear Paths and Driveways: Continue to shovel snow from walkways, driveways, and public sidewalks. Apply ice melter or salt to reduce the risk of slipping.
- Watch for Slips and Falls: Be cautious while clearing snow or walking outside. Wet, slippery conditions can lead to falls, so wear appropriate winter footwear with good traction.
Winter Storm & Heavy Snow Essentials
Prepare for Extreme Cold
Canadian winter temperatures can plunge well below freezing, so being prepared for this type of weather is essential. From stocking emergency supplies, to preventing frozen pipes and more, we’ll show you how to be ready for any extreme cold weather that comes your way.
Preparing for Extreme Cold Weather
Maintain Your HVAC System
- Schedule Annual Maintenance: Have a professional service your furnace or heating system to ensure it's in optimal working condition before the cold hits.
- Replace Air Filters: Replace your furnace air filters to improve airflow and ensure your system runs efficiently throughout the winter.
Add Insulation (Especially to the Attic)
- Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation in your attic, walls and floors will help retain heat and prevent the cold from seeping into your home.
- Check for Air Leaks: Ensure there are no gaps or cracks in your insulation that could let cold air into your home.
Safe Use of Fireplaces and Heaters
- Check Your Fireplace: Clean and inspect your wood-burning fireplace or chimney before use to ensure it’s safe and free of debris or blockages.
- Check Space Heaters: Inspect electric heaters, ensure they are in good working order and avoid leaving them unattended.
Draft-Proof Your Home
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Apply weather stripping around doors and windows and use caulking to seal any cracks. This will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
- Insulate Windows: Use insulating window film or thermal curtains to reduce heat loss.
- Check Doors and Entryways: Ensure doors close properly and add draft stoppers to prevent cold air from entering.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and garages, to prevent freezing.
- Let Faucets Drip: When temperatures drop, let faucets drip slowly to relieve pressure in the pipes and reduce the chance of freezing.
- Seal Drafts: Ensure there are no drafts around pipes and seal any gaps in walls or foundations. You can also open cabinet doors near pipes to let the warmer indoor air circulate around them.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
- Stock Up on Essentials: Have food, water, medications, and other necessities to last at least 72 hours.
- Purchase a Generator: Invest in a generator to keep essential appliances running. Make sure to know how to use it safely.
- Extra Batteries and Phone Chargers: Stock up on batteries, power banks and extra chargers for flashlights, radios and phones.
- Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like a first aid kit, blankets, warm clothing and a battery-powered radio.
What to Do During and After Extreme Cold Weather
Monitor Heating Systems
Check Furnace and Heater: If your heating system isn’t functioning properly during the cold, contact a professional for immediate service. Keep a close eye on the performance of your HVAC system to ensure it's maintaining a safe, comfortable temperature.
Fireplace and Heater Use
- Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels: If using gas or wood-burning fireplaces, ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are working properly to avoid poisoning.
- Stay Safe with Space Heaters: Never leave portable heaters on unattended, and ensure they are placed away from flammable materials.
Post-Storm Safety
- Check for Damage: After extreme cold or a storm, inspect your home for any damage to pipes, insulation, and structural components.
- Clear Snow and Ice Safely: Use salt or sand to reduce ice accumulation around walkways. Be cautious when clearing snow to avoid injury.
Deal with Frozen Pipes
- Turn Off your Water Supply: If you suspect a pipe is frozen, shut off the main water supply immediately to prevent a burst.
- Thaw Pipes Slowly: Use a hair dryer, space heater, or heat lamp to thaw frozen pipes gradually. Never use an open flame.
- Inspect for Leaks: If a pipe bursts, contact a plumber right away and check for water damage.
Use Generators and Emergency Power
- Standby generators and portable generators can be used to supply your critical home electronics with the power they need to keep you warm and safe.
- Follow Generator Safety Guidelines: Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. Place it at least 10 feet from windows, doors, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Monitor Power Outages: Stay updated on power restoration times through your utility provider. Use battery-powered devices like flashlights and radios to stay informed.
Extreme Cold Essentials
Be Prepared for Emergencies
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- Create an evacuation plan with your family. Discuss how you would reach each other from school, work or home. What routes would you take? How would you communicate if cellphones are not working? How will you reach and transport pets?
- Include children in your plan: Prep them for potential emergencies and scenarios, teach them to dial 9-1-1 and reassure them that this plan is “just in case.”
- Plan for two scenarios: Remaining in your home after a disaster or evacuating to a safer location.
- Identify more than one evacuation route from your residence. Draw a floor plan for each storey of your house and circle escape routes.
- Familiarize yourself with the nearest shelter.
- Choose designated meeting places nearby and far away in case you get separated. Choose a friend who lives in another region or province to be your “check-in contact.”
- Keep a list of key phone numbers by each phone in the house, stored in your cell phone and in your Family Emergency Kit. Include each family member’s cell phone number, your check-in contact(s) and emergency resources including your doctor, the nearest emergency room, and the closest shelter or local emergency support such as the Canadian Red Cross.
- Ensure you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms that comply with your building code (at least one on every floor of your home and in sleeping areas.) Replace any that are more than 5 or 10 years old depending on the model.
- Check smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries regularly to ensure they are working and check the battery back-ups for hard-wired models.
- Make sure your property is clearly marked with a visible street number so emergency rescue workers can easily locate you.
- Store all important records, including passports, health and insurance records in a waterproof container. It is also a good idea to make copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licences, wills, land deeds and insurance.
- Regularly check fuel-burning appliances to ensure they’re properly installed, ventilated and working according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure all family members know where your Family Emergency Kit is stored.
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Every family should have a Family Emergency Kit ready, be it for any unexpected disaster situation (i.e. flood, extreme winter storms etc.).
*Note: Store items in large waterproof containers
B
- Baby wipes or moist towelettes
- Backpacks or wheeled totes to carry essentials in case of evacuation
- Batteries and chargers (phones, flashlight, radio, etc.) Remember to replace batteries as they expire or at least once a year.
- Battery-powered or crank radio
- Bottled water. Replace as per expiration dates on packaging, or at least once a year. Recommendations are for at least two litres of water (and up to four) per person per day for three days, and remember to store the water in small bottles, which would make them easier to transport in the case of an evacuation order.
C
- Can opener (manual)
- Cash in smaller bills and change for payphones
- A change of clothes, especially sweaters and raincoats
- Copy of your emergency plan and contact information
D
- Duct tape and/or rope and/or Bungee cords (to secure tarp and seal windows or vents if necessary)
E
- Emergency candles
- Extra keys to your car and house
F
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher and fire escape ladder. Be sure to have a large (5-10 pound), multi-purpose (ABC rated) fire extinguisher in all major rooms of the house including the kitchen, garage, bedroom, living room, laundry room and any room with a chimney. Be sure to check fire extinguishers annually to be sure the pressure gauge is functional and the unit is working. You can find companies that refill and service extinguishers online.
- Flashlights
H
- Hand sanitizer
- Household essentials that apply to the unique needs of your family (i.e. for pet owners: leashes, carriers, etc.; for families with children: diapers and infant formula (check expiry dates regularly); eyeglasses, and feminine hygiene products, etc.
L
- List of emergency contacts including local authorities and your “check-in contact”
M
- Map showing routes to shelters and emergency contacts
P
- Paper and pencils
- Prescription medications (check regularly to ensure they don’t expire)
R
- Re-sealable plastic bags
S
- Sleeping bags or blankets
T
- Tarp or tent (makeshift shelter)
- Toiletries, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, and toilet paper
- Tools (basic: hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers (cordless and hand-held), work gloves, dust mask, utility knives
- Trash bags
U
- Utensils
W
- Water purification tablets
- Waterproof matches in a waterproof bag
- Whistle
#
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food (replace as it expires or at least once a year)
