Are you prepared for winter?

Be prepared for severe winter weather

Winter weather conditions in Ontario can become severe or dangerous very quickly, sometimes with little or no warning. During the winter months, Waterloo Region can experience storms, extreme cold, freezing rain, blizzards and heavy snowfall. These conditions can bring down power lines, cause power outages, black ice, block roads, and car accidents.

High windchills, heavy snowfall, freezing rain, blizzards and extremely cold temperatures also pose a hazard to those travelling or venturing outside. The following general precautions outline how to minimize the effects of winter weather and prepare in advance for severe weather conditions.

To reduce the impact of treacherous winter driving conditions, make sure to prepare ahead of time and winterize your vehicle. Always check your vehicle's fluid levels, tire pressure, wiper blades and oil levels. Keep your gas tank at least half full and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times.

Even when not travelling, you are at risk of being isolated in your own home due to extreme winter conditions. It is important to be prepared and have an emergency kit available. Make sure to have sand and snow shovels on hand to increase traction and clear entrances to your homes.

Download Evironment Canada's Brochure on Winter Safety here (pdf file)

Keep track of current winter weather conditions at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca

Is severe weather coming? Check Environment Canada's Warnings Page for souther Ontario at http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/son_e.html

Check out the special weather statements for Ontario at: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/SWS_bulletins_e.html?prov=on

Take Precautions during extreme weather conditions

Dress to suit the weather:
Thin layers of loose fitting clothing will trap body heat while aiding air circulation. Outer clothing should be hooded, tightly woven, and repel water. Mittens are warmer than gloves. It is important to wear a hat because most body heat is lost through the head. If it is extremely cold, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.
Recognize the signs of hypothermia:
Feeling cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature below the normal 37°C. Symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, confusion, and loss of muscular control. If symptoms occur, get medical assistance immediately. Hypothermia can progress to a life threatening condition where shivering stops, the person loses consciousness and cardiac arrest can occur.
Check the weather forecast before going outdoors or travelling:
Pay particular attention to windchill, which can create dangerously cold outdoor conditions.
Winterize your home and vehicle before the cold weather arrives :
Prepare an emergency pack for your home and vehicle and ensure your home heating system is in good working order. Insulate your home to avoid cold air leaks and minimize heating costs.
Pace your outdoor activity:
Be alert for signs of frostbite. Avoid strenuous activity in extremely cold temperatures because the heart must work harder to pump blood through constricted vessels in arms and legs.

Your winter home emergency kit should include:

Ready-to-eat food (e.g. energy bars)
Water
Blankets
Heating fuel
Flashlights
Batteries
First-aid kit
radio

Winter travel

Winter travel calls for extra care even under normal weather conditions. Snow and ice on roadways can reduce tire traction, while vehicle exhaust and ice fog can reduce visibility. The best safety precaution to take during severe winter weather conditions is to avoid traveling at all. However, if you must drive, be prepared.

Take precautions:

Drive carefully. Avoid driving if a winter storm warning or blizzard warning has been issued for your area of travel. Respect road conditions. Prior to setting out, check local highway or road conditions hotlines.
Turn back or seek refuge if conditions deteriorate. Don't be daring.
Keep to main roads as much as possible.
Travel by daylight and with a companion if possible. When traveling alone, make sure someone knows which route you are taking, and your departure and arrival times. Be sure to notify them of your arrival to prevent an unnecessary search.
Keep the radio on, and listen for weather information and possible weather warnings.
Keep the gas tank full and car in good running condition, properly serviced, with snow tires and chains.
Carry your winter travel kit in your car at all times.

If stranded: Don't panic!

Stay with your car. You'll be sheltered and easier to find.
Move your car off the roadway to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
Do not attempt to walk for help. Many travelers have suffered hypothermia or frostbite or even death.
Avoid over-exertion or exposure.
Set out warning flares or other markers such as a bright cloth hung from the car window or aerial. Car engines should be run for ten minutes each hour.
Check exhaust pipe frequently to ensure it's not becoming blocked with snow.
Keep fresh air inside the car by slightly opening a window and running the motor sparingly.
Use the dome light instead of headlights. Using headlights will run the battery down too quickly.
Keep moving. Exercise hands, arms and legs to prevent frostbite.
Watch for traffic or search parties. Don't fall asleep.

Your winter vehicle kit should include:

Shovel, sand and tow chain
Flashlights and batteries
Road map and compass
Booster cables and flares
Extra clothing, gloves and winter boots
Blankets
Ice scraper and brush
First-aid kit

Winter Weather Terminology

Wind Chill Index - is a winter comfort index based on the combined effects of temperature and wind. The wind chill value is not an actual temperature and has no units of measurement, but is meant to represent what conditions would feel like if there was no wind. For example, a temperature of -10 celcius with a wind of 30 Km/h will produce a wind chill of -20. Meaning that your face will feel as cold as it would on a calm day with a temperature of -20 degrees celcius.

Winter storm - Any one of several storm systems can occur from late fall to early spring that can bring significant amounts of snow or combinations of snow, freezing rain, ice pellets and rain. These storms are often accompanied by strong winds and can produce significant visibility restrictions or bitter wind chills.

Winter storm watch - This is a forecast for severe weather issued well in advance of the actual occurrence. Usually issued 12 to 48 hours prior to a storm's arrival. These bulletins are issued when there is the potential for severe weather. You should use this time to prepare your home and family for the approaching storm.

Winter storm warning - are weather bulletins that are issued when severe weather is expected to occur. Lead time is usually 6 to 30 hours before the event is expected to begin. Warnings state a particular hazard or imminent danger. Your severe weather plan should be in place when the warning is issued.

Blizzard - When a storm is expected to meet al of the following conditions (i) winds of 50 km/h or more, (ii) visibility of 1 km or less, (iii) wind chill values of -25 or lower and (iv) these conditions are expected to last for four or more hours, then a Blizzard Warning will be issued by Environment Canada.

Whiteout - When visibility is near zero due to blizzard conditions or occurs on sunless days when clouds and surface snow seem to blend, erasing the horizon and creating a completely white vista.

Useful links:

Environment Canada's Wind Chill Fact Sheet - http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca/education/windchill/index_e.cfm

Canadian Red Cross - Winter Safety Tips http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=011344&tid=068

The Ontario Weather Page http://www.ontarioweather.com/winter/safety/before.asp

Ontario Ministry of Transporation http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml

Safe Canada - Winter Safety Tips - http://www.safecanada.ca/link_e.asp?category=15&topic=118

Winter Safety Tips for Pets
http://www.ontariospca.ca/4-carefactsheets-safety-1.shtml

University of Waterloo's Weather Station
http://weather.uwaterloo.ca/