How to stay safe during intense cold
Last updated February 2, 2023
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During periods of intense cold it’s important to take special steps to protect yourself. Find out what you can do to make it through a cold snap.
What you can do at home
When there is a weather alert about intense cold, we recommend that you only go out when you really need to.
Follow safety guidelines
- Stay indoors and don’t go out unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep your 72-hour emergency kit handy.
- Check to make sure your heating systems and smoke detectors are working.
- Keep a close eye on back-up heating equipment and don’t use a barbecue or camp stove inside.
- Don’t overuse heating equipment and be sure to lower the thermostat in rooms you are not using.
- When using portable heaters or space heaters, don’t overload the electrical circuits.
- Don’t drape wet clothing on baseboard heaters.
- Turn on your taps and run a trickle of cold water to keep your pipes from freezing.
- If the power goes out, follow these instructions.
How to deal with intense cold when you’re outside
If you absolutely must go out:
- Dress warmly and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia
- Move your hands and feet to keep your blood circulating
- Keep your back to the wind as much as possible
If you must drive:
- Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car
- Avoid long trips
- Let family or friends know your route and when you expect to arrive
Stay informed and in contact with family and friends
- Check our social media and Web sites to monitor the situation in real-time.
- Stay in touch with family and friends and find out how others around you are doing, especially anyone who is more at risk (such as an elderly neighbour).
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