Winter storms can be dangerous. Learn the best steps to protect yourself and your family as fully as possible.
If you are indoors:
Stay there!
Listen for radio and television broadcasts of storm warnings.
If you are outdoors:
If you have to go outdoors, prepare yourself against the cold and find shelter as soon as possible.
Several lightweight layers give more warmth than a single heavy coat. Try thermal underwear, a turtleneck, a medium sweater, and a jacket.
Wear a hat to prevent heat loss. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs. Wear gloves and hiking or snow boots.
Always tell someone where you are going, how you are getting there, and when you think you will arrive. This way, someone will know where you might be if you are stranded.
If you are in a vehicle:
Travel can be dangerous during a severe storm.
If you hear news of a blizzard warning, find shelter as soon as possible.
If you are stuck in your car, stay with the vehicle.
Provide a signal to rescuers such as a bright cloth tied onto the vehicle.Keep the window open a crack for fresh air.
Stay warm by moving your arms and legs, keeping the blood flowing.
Start the car engine once every hour, and use the heater for ten minutes.
When the engine is running, leave the dome light on.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear so that fumes can escape.
Always tell someone where you are going, how you are getting there, and when you think you will arrive.
Become familiar with your community’s emergency management system. Every member of your family should know what to do when a disaster strikes. Learn about your disaster safety plans in the workplace and at your children’s school and/or childcare centre.
Create a family disaster safety plan. Assemble a disaster safety kit. Together, identify escape routes from your home and neighbourhood. Choose an emergency meeting place for the family. Be prepared!
The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
Toronto Office 20 Richmond Street East, Suite 210, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2R9 Tel: (416) 364-8677 Fax: (416) 364-5889
London Office Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street, London, Canada N6A 5B9 Tel: (519) 661-3234 Fax: (519) 661-4273
