Severe Storms and Weather

Severe storms can affect all communities, at any time, and have long-lasting effects.

There are many important steps you can take to prepare your family which can help save you time during, reduce your anxiety and protect your family.

At home: Stay inside; Stay away from windows, door, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks or other electrical charge conductors; unplug televisions, radios, toasters and other electrical appliances; don't use the phone or other electrical equipment
Outside: seek shelter in a building; get off bicycles, motorcycles, and tractors; if you're caught in the open, crouch down with your feet close together and your head down; don't lie flat; keep away from telephone and power lines, fences, trees and hilltops
In a vehicle: stop the vehicle and stay in it; don't stop near trees or power lines

During tornadoes

Go to a windowless interior room such as the basement
If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or smaller interior room without windows such as a bathroom or closet
Go to the centre of the room
Stay away from corners as they tend to attract debris
Stay away from windows or glass doors
Keep off the telephone
Get under a heavy piece of furniture such as a desk or workbench
Use a helmet to protect your head
If you are in a mobile home, get outside and look for an area of low ground

Stay away from windows, doors, and fireplaces
Use a cellular or cordless telephone
If a power outage occurs do the following: check your main electric panel and breaker; turn off or unplug appliances or equipment; close blinds or curtains and avoid opening doors
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately
Take your emergency kit with you

Stop the car away from trees or power lines
If stuck, call for help and do the following: remain inside the vehicle; open one window slightly on the sheltered side for fresh air; check the exhaust pipe to ensure there is no blockage of snow; run the engine for 10 minutes every half hour

Before a blizzard string a safety line between your house and other structures, in case you have to go to them during the storm
Stay indoors if possible
If you must go outside, dress for the weather – clothing should be tightly woven and water-repellent, jackets should have hoods, and wear mittens
Do not try to walk to another building unless you have something you can follow
If you must travel, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time

If you must go outside, pay attention to branches or wires that could break and fall on your or your vehicle
Never approach power lines (stay back at least 10 meters from wires or anything in contact with them)
When freezing rain is forecasted, avoid driving if possible

Heed the warnings of the local weather offices of Environment Canada
If you must drive in bad weather, make sure you have plenty of fuel and let someone know your route and intended arrival time

Pull off the road, turn hazard lights on, and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window
Remain in your vehicle until rescuers arrive
Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm and conserve fuel
Crack a downwind window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Huddle with other passengers and use your coat for a blanket
In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers and extra clothing for covering
Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night (careful not to run down the battery)
In remote areas, after the storm has passed, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract the attention of rescue planes
Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter
Once the severe weather has passed and you need to leave your car, follow the road if possible