Associated with the page Types of emergency situations
Winter weather can be surprising in its intensity and duration. Heavy snowfall or freezing rain lasting several days, thick blizzards or extreme wind chills pose risks to people and property, and can cause the interruption of services or activities essential to communities.
There are a few things you can do to limit the dangers of a winter storm.
- Check the condition of your heating system and roof;
- Keep a supply of fuel on hand;
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm if you use a combustion heater;
- Have your chimney swept;
- Trim dead branches from trees on your property;
- Secure objects that can be blown away by the wind;
- Make sure your home is well insulated;
- Protect exposed water pipes from freezing.
If a winter storm or severe cold is forecast :
- Make sure you have enough water and food, as well as sufficient fuel;
- Keep a sufficient supply of prescription medication on hand;
- Take weather service warnings into account when planning your activities; and
- Remove or have removed snow from your roof as needed.
Follow certain safety rules:
- Avoid unnecessary travel and postpone non-essential appointments;
- Call vulnerable people to check on their well-being;
- Use your wood-burning heater with care and constant supervision;
- Make sure the chimney outlet is not blocked by snow accumulation;
- Contact your municipality to report any situation requiring municipal services (water main break, branches on the road, etc.); and
- Check the media for instructions from the authorities and be informed of any service interruptions or exceptional services made available to you.
Source and reference for more information: Urgence Québec – Winter storm
