FOCUS Canada: Preparing for Winter Storms

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

BEFORE

1. Make an Emergency Kit and Plan (run several practice rounds of your plan frequently)
2. Stock emergency supplies at home (i.e. extra food and water)
3. Gather winter supplies: snow shovel, de-icing compound (salts), waterproof floor mats, ice scrapper
4. Prepare for possible power outages (i.e. battery-powered flashlights and extra batteries)
5. Winterize your car: check antifreeze levels, keep gas tank full, prepare a Vehicle Emergency Kit
6. Download smartphone apps to stay informed (i.e. Be Ready App by the Canadian Red Cross)
7. Review your property insurance and critical documents
8. Consider getting winter tires for your vehicle
9. Learn winter road skills

DURING

1. If you are indoors during a storm, stay away from windows, doors, and fireplaces
2. Ask yourself if you need to go out and if the trip can be delayed. Check the current road conditions and weather forecast prior to departure – be mindful of weather alerts, warnings, and advice
3. If you must travel, make sure you have your Vehicle Emergency Kit
4. It is difficult to see other vehicles during dark, wintry days. Be seen – make sure to turn your vehicle lights all the way on
5. If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Delay may make later evacuation difficult or impossible
6. Dress appropriately (layers) if you have to go outside to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia
7. Take your Emergency Kit and Plan with you
8. If you are in a car, stop the car away from trees or power lines that might fall on you. Stay inside the car

AFTER

1. Check on family, friends, and neighbours and especially the elderly and vulnerable
2. Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities
3. Be careful when clearing snow to avoid overexertion - take regular breaks to warm up and rest, if needed
4. If you lose power, use battery-powered flashlights rather than candles
5. If temperatures are extremely low, turn on every faucet so it is just barely dripping
6. Avoid travelling and listen to the local news for current road and weather updates

For more information, please visit:​

• GetPrepared.ca – Severe Storms
• Canadian Red Cross – Winter Storms
• Weather Network – What to Do After a Winter Storm Hits
• Ready.gov – Snow Storms and Extreme Cold

To obtain additional information, visit: www.getprepared.gc.ca

To learn more about Focus Humanitarian Assistance, please visit: www.focusstar.ca and or contact us on
Tel: +1 800 423 7972 / +1 416 423 7988 Email: focus.canada@focusha.org