Extreme Cold – Get Prepared
How to prepare before an extreme cold event
- Pay attention to weather alert services that will notify you of extreme cold conditions:
- Public weather alerts, in the form of extreme cold warnings or regional alerts, notify people living in Canada that extreme cold is forecast or is occurring
- Weather alert criteria vary in different regions of Canada
- Visit the WeatherCAN app for push notifications of official weather warnings
- Receive weather forecasts, conditions, and other weather information by telephone through Hello Weather
- Prepare your emergency kits. Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can do right away
- Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs
- Some local governments may offer warming centres during extreme cold events. Check with your city or municipality to learn more
- Make sure that you have appropriate winter clothing that is suitable for your region’s winter temperatures for all members of your household, especially infants, young children, and older adults. Recommended items include insulated winter jackets, waterproof footwear, warm socks, gloves or mittens, a toque, and a scarf or face covering
- Know your health risks
- Ask your health care professional if you have a medical condition that might put you at an increased risk from extreme cold
- If you do have health problems, such as a heart condition or other medical issues, you may want to avoid strenuous activities like shoveling snow
Prepare your home
- Prepare your home for winter temperatures by doing regular maintenance before cold weather starts. Make sure your heating system is working efficiently, that your chimney is clean and ready for use, and that any cracks and drafts are sealed to keep the heat inside
- Check on older adult relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy. They may not be able to safely go outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies to prepare
- Consider installing a backup heat source that can be used in case of a power outage, such as a fireplace that does not require power to operate the exhaust system or a generator that can be used to power an electric space heater or run existing electric heating appliances
- Install certified carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup in hallways, outside of sleeping areas.
- Learn more about carbon monoxide and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
Prepare your vehicle
- Get an emergency kit for your car, including winter supplies such as extra blankets and jumper cables
- Make sure to keep your gas tank full when periods of extreme cold are forecast
- Install winter tires on your vehicle. In some provinces and territories, this is required by law
- Learn more about how to prepare your vehicle for cold weather winter driving
During an extreme cold event
Take shelter, don’t delay! Extreme cold can quickly become life threatening. If you head outdoors remember to dress for the weather including the wind chill – bright, sunny days can appear deceptively mild. Go to the nearest heated location at the first signs of exposure to extreme cold (numb extremities). On a cold day, dress for the weather and don’t leave home without your toque!
- Protect your indoor air quality in the event of a power outage
- Consider delaying travel or outdoor activities until conditions improve
- Never operate a fuel-burning generator or use fuel burning cooking equipment such as BBQs or camping stoves inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, or under a covered area outside the house (such as under an awning or gazebo)
- Operate portable generators at least 6 metres (20 feet) from all homes or buildings
- Direct the exhaust away from open windows and doors. Close all windows and doors on the side of the home closest to or downwind from the generator
- Run a trickle of water to prevent pipes from freezing if the pipes cannot be kept at a temperature above freezing
After an extreme cold event
Watch for signs of illness following an extreme cold event. Health effects can take up to a few weeks to occur.
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