It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the possibility of heavy snowfalls or ice storms. Here are some simple things you can do to protect your family.
- Prepare 72-hour emergency supply kits for your home and car.
- Make and practice a family communication plan. You may not be together when a storm begins, so have a plan for staying in touch.
- Keep your home well maintained to prevent losses from damage.
- Know what to do in case the power goes out for a long time. Never use generators, camp stoves, or other gas or propane devices inside your home or other enclosed spaces, because they create a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO). Install a carbon monoxide monitor* for extra protection.
- Check local media for weather updates so you can arrange for shelter, stay informed of possible hazards, and know when the authorities call to evacuate.
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If you’re driving when a snow storm hits, slow down, leave extra space around you, and look for shelter immediately. If you need to pull over, stay in your car, keep the window open a crack, and turn the engine on once every hour to use the heater for no more than ten minutes. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear to stop carbon monoxide from leaking back into your car. Stay warm: move your arms and legs and use your emergency kit blanket.
- After the storm, watch for falling snow and ice from roofs. Check for road closures and map out your route. Look for black ice and know how to respond to a skid.
- Check around your home for flood hazards. Clear gutters and storm drains of debris and excess snow, and clear areas around downspouts and exhaust vents so that water from melting snow can flow away from the house. Clean snow off decks to reduce the weight load and clear walkways to prevent slips and falls. Consider getting a professional to remove the snow from your roof or use a roof rake and ladder. Falls from roofs and possible exposure to electrical wires while on roofs are serious hazards.
- Remember to take extra care of the elderly; check on your older family members and neighbours. Also, don’t forget your pets; keep them indoors as much as possible.
- Invest in winter tires, and always keep them properly inflated.
