Brace for winter: Prioritize safety this season as temperatures dip and snow starts to fall

As temperatures dip and snow starts to fall, remember to prioritize your safety. The seasons may be changing, but how we stay safe in the winter hasn’t. Winter weather is less predictable and makes it difficult for us to determine what type of weather event is coming our way and just how prepared we need to be.

Keep an eye on weather forecasts and any potential storms approaching. One of the easiest ways to know when winter weather will hit is by staying tuned in to the weather. No matter where you call home, weather apps like The Weather Network or the WeatherCAN app from Environment Canada are reliable resources. Being aware of changing conditions can help you prepare accordingly and help you avoid getting caught off guard.

Preparing in advance ensures you are ready to enjoy a safe and memorable winter both indoors and outdoors. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare.

Protect and inspect your property

Your home is your shelter from the weather, and in the cold winter months, you need to ensure your property is properly prepped and ready to stand strong against harsh winter winds and exposure to the cold. From the outside walls to eavestroughs to what lines your food pantry, take stock of how prepared you are for winter.

Stock supplies

Winter weather can strike at a moment’s notice. When snow starts to fall, the last place you want to be is rushing out to the supermarket to buy what you need to hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. Winter supplies like non-perishable foods, essentials like toilet paper and toothpaste and plenty of bottled water are key items to have on hand before winter weather hits hard.

Ensuring you have warm indoor and outdoor clothes as well as spare blankets, warm winter hats and gloves are important if winter weather knocks out power lines or electricity for extended periods of time.

Although candles are nice to look at, and do provide some heat, they are not the safest option. Instead, a battery-powered emergency heater can be the way to go and can be purchased at reasonable prices from your local retailer. Additionally, battery-powered “flameless” candles, or a flashlight, can provide a source of light in the event of a power outage.

Turn off water connections and protect your pipes

During the winter months in Southern Ontario, temperatures can fall well below freezing and sometimes suddenly, such as during an overnight deep freeze.
It’s important to turn your outdoor water connections (backyard and even in your garage) off before the cold of winter sets in to avoid costly pipe bursts and flooding. The time it takes to shut off your water is very minor versus forgetting to do so and facing a costly clean up of water damage and plumbing repairs.

Inspect and test winter equipment

Check to make sure your shovels are in good shape (no cracks or splinters) and are easily accessible before the flakes fall. There is nothing worse than fighting through backyard snow to search for shovels buried under a pile of summer patio furniture in the tool shed during a snowstorm. It’s unsafe and uncomfortable. Also, take some time to give your snowblower a once over – check the oil and ensure it starts easily. It’s better to ensure your snowblower is operating before you are in the middle of a major snowstorm or winter weather event.

Check your roof and eavestroughs

Before the first major snow hits, grab a ladder (and someone to hold it securely) and check your eavestroughs and roof for exterior damage. Eavestroughs can gather all kinds of leaves and branches throughout fall months, which can block the flow of melting snow and damage your home.

Taking the time to clean your eavestroughs, before they are covered in snow and ice, can save you later in the winter when you can’t access them and clean them out. This will prevent drainage issues and water damming which can cause roof leaks and water damage to your house walls.

Shovel and salt

If you have a driveway or sidewalk at home, it’s important to shovel the snow promptly. Clearing these areas of snow makes travelling safer for you and your family but also prevents ice from forming, which can lead to slips and falls.

Before applying a minimal amount of salt or de-icing materials to your walkway, sidewalk or driveway, clear the snow first, and always use the materials as recommended by the manufacturer.  Remember that salt only works on ice and snow when the temperature is above -10° Celsius. Use a small amount of alternatives like sand, grit, mulch, or treated salt (magnesium chloride) to add traction when the temperature is below -7° Celsius. Some of these options can even be swept up and reused. Use these materials sparingly, as they can wash into the stormwater system. Staying on top of shoveling and salting will save you time and effort in the long run! Read more about shoveling tips here.

Clear snow from gas metres and exhaust vents

Excessive snow can weigh down or damage gas metres and vents, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Ensure there is a clear pathway to your gas metre in case of emergencies. Snow buildup can block gas metres and exhaust vents, potentially leading to gas leaks or improper ventilation. This can create hazardous conditions, including the risk of explosions or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Blocked vents can also cause appliances to break or malfunction.

Keep a path for fire hydrants

It’s your responsibility to keep fire hydrants on your property clear of snow. In an emergency, firefighters need to quickly locate and use a water supply. If a hydrant is blocked or covered in snow, it can be difficult to find, wasting valuable time in an emergency. Fire hydrants should be easily visible from the road, so make sure to clear a one metre radius around the hydrant and ensure a clear path to the road.

Plan for power outages

Winter storms can lead to power outages. Have a plan in place, including backup power sources like generators. Keep a supply of flashlights and batteries ready. Remember to also keep your cell phone fully charged (and have a backup charging pack accessible) to help you monitor

changing weather during all seasons – winter included.

Winterize your car

Before the snow and icy weather starts, make sure your car is ready for winter. Winter tires are designed for cold climates and offer enhanced traction, giving a better grip on roads and reducing braking distances. Try to get your tires on before temperatures dip below the freezing mark. Remember to test your car battery, check your coolant, top up your fluids, test out your wipers blades and clean your headlights. Having an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle with essential items—such as a first aid kit, extra gloves and socks, a portable phone charger, non-perishable food and extra water, flashlight, and blanket — can provide crucial support during unexpected winter emergencies.

Stay safe outdoors

Outdoors is where some of our best winter memories are made, but staying aware and acting safely across the City is key to ensure those memories are ones you want to keep. Whether you are racing down a snowy hill on a sled, looking to feel the wind in your face skating on a fresh sheet of ice or simply out for a road trip on a bright, winter day, take the following safety tips with you.

Stay on the right side of the ice

Ice skating can give many of us a feeling unlike many other activities in the winter – especially outside on open ice. In Mississauga, skating on frozen lakes, stormwater ponds, streams, tributaries and even lake Ontario is not allowed for safety reasons. Ice can be unpredictable in that it may not be consistently frozen or thick enough to support a person’s weight.

Instead, the City has three maintained outdoor rinks and dozens of indoor rinks where all kinds of skaters can glide safely across a frozen sheet of ice and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa right after to warm up.

Move your sled straight ahead

Tobogganing or winter sleds can equal some of the most fun for families across the city. And while many tobogganing hills can be small to medium, the big ones where the highest speeds and thrills come from are best approached with a few safety tips in mind.

Helmets are essential to protect your head during falls or collisions. Before sledding, ensure the path is clear to avoid collisions with others. Take it slow for a fun, injury-free day. Remember to stay hydrated, dress in layers, and take breaks indoors to rest.

Stay in safe while travelling on Mississauga roads

In severe winter weather or storm conditions, if you can, stay off the roads as there’s a higher risk of collision. Give yourself more time by leaving early, being aware of your surroundings and travel according to weather conditions. If you’re walking or riding a bike, make sure to use a crosswalk or crossride when possible.

If cycling, use reflectors and bike lights.

When driving, remember to:

• Clear snow and ice from all windows, the roof of your car and headlights to ensure you have an unobstructed view and others can see you before you start driving.
• Drive for the road conditions by slowing down in bad weather like snow, ice or freezing rain.
• Look for pedestrians and cyclists before turning, entering or exiting driveways or roadways and parking lots.
• Give snow-clearing crews and equipment room to work. Be patient if you are behind them.
• Ensure your vehicle is prepared in case you end up in an emergency and are stranded in severe winter weather. Make sure to fill your tank with gas, check your window washer fluid level and equip your trunk with an emergency kit that includes flares or lights, non-perishable snacks, water, spare clothing and blankets.
• Clear snow away from your car to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your car. It can happen if your exhaust is blocked by a snowbank.

These are just a few ways to stay safe this winter. There are many resources available online including those listed below. Help yourself and those closest to you this winter by being prepared ahead of time and make the winter one full of positive memories enjoyed with a chill!

Useful resources

Severe storms page
Extreme cold page
Get Prepared.gc.ca
Winter weather safety tips
Canada Safety Council

Tags

• Emergency and Preparedness
• Public Safety