Severe winter storms can cause widespread damage and disruption (see also Power Outage). Heavy snow often results in dangerous road conditions and increased collisions due to slippery roads and stranded vehicles. Extreme cold, intense wind and heavy snow conditions can isolate entire communities. Bitter cold and severe winter storms kill more than 100 people in Canada every year. That is more than the number of Canadians killed by tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods, hurricanes and heat waves combined.
In Waterloo Region, ice storms are often winter's worst hazard. The severity of ice storms depends on the accumulation of ice, the duration of the event, the location and extent of the area affected. Ice can bring down power lines, tree limbs and sometimes even fully uproot trees, making repairs on utilities difficult.
During a blizzard, piercing winds blow snow into drifts that can bury people, animals and possessions. The accumulation of snow can also cause structures to collapse. In the later stages of a blizzard whiteout conditions can happen. During a whiteout the snowfall is so dense that it is hard to tell the ground from the sky.
If you are indoors:
· Stay indoors. Only travel when necessary.
· When going outside, make sure that you have proper clothing to protect you from the elements. A heavy coat, gloves, boots and a hat are a must.
· It is easier to keep a smaller space warm. During an ice storm, consider closing off some non-essential rooms.
· Listen for radio and television broadcasts of storm warnings.
If you are outdoors:
· If you must 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.
· Keep spare hats, scarves and blankets in your vehicle. Having some dried food is also advised.
· 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 10 minutes.
· When the engine is running, leave the dome light on.
· Keep the exhaust pipe clear so that vehicle exhaust fumes can escape.
· Always tell someone where you are going, how you are getting there, and when you think you will arrive.
Protect Your Home This Winter
· Use a broom to sweep your gas equipment free of snow and ice. Never kick or hit your gas meter, pressure regulator, or piping to free up snow or ice buildup.
· Keep all your exhaust and intake vents clear.
· Keep a clear path to your gas meter.
· Do not shovel, blow, or plow snow up against your gas meter equipment.
· If there is a fire hydrant near your home, make sure the hydrant is clear and accessible in case there is an emergency.
· Remove icicles from your overhead eaves trough and watch for buildup of freezing rain or water dripping from the roof or eaves trough onto your meter.
· In extremely cold weather, water pipes can burst. To help prevent pipes from bursting, it is recommended to leave taps to drip slowly and increase the temperature within the home over night.
