Winter home safety

Winter weather can be harsh and unpredictable, with changes in and around your home resulting in increased risks and hazards. Blizzards, ice storms, and high winds have the potential to cause damage to your home and disrupt power. As winter approaches, it is important to take a few steps to prepare in case of an emergency.

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Be weather wise

In the event of stormy weather, have the following supplies on hand:

  • Battery operated radio
  • Spare batteries
  • Flashlights (avoid candles, which can be a fire hazard)
  • Winter non-perishable food
  • Drinkable water
  • Adequate supply of medication
  • Plumbing antifreeze
  • Alternative heat source, such as wood stove, fireplace, or CSA-approved space heater.
  • Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector.

Think ahead

It's a good idea to perform some preventative maintenance on your home, including:

  • Remove dead branches from your trees. Ice, snow, and wind may break the limbs and cause damage to your home.
  • Clean the gutters surrounding your home. When the ice and snow melt in the spring, the excess water may cause damage to your roof and eaves.
  • Maintain all heating devices and fireplaces.
  • If you'll be away from home for a period of time, have someone shovel your walkway to ensure that the house looks lived in.
     

Loss of power

If a power outage should occur, take the following precautions:

  • Avoid opening doors unnecessarily.
  • Turn off all electrical appliances.
  • Ensure that ventilation is maintained.
  • If there is a danger of freezing pipes, turn off the main water valve and drain the line(s). Put plumbing antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks and bathtub drains.
  • Turn off and drain your hot water heater.


 

Restoration of power

Once power has been restored, remember to:

  • Turn on the main water valve and close taps (if you've turned your water off).
  • Fill and turn on your water heater.
  • Flush toilets and drain sinks and tubs to dispose of anti-freeze.
  • Check food for spoilage.
  • Turn on the main electrical switch.