• Keep your 72-hour emergency kit handy.
• 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.
• If the power goes out, follow these instructions.

If you’re already outside or if you absolutely must go out:

• Use public transit if at all possible.
• Dress warmly and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
• Watch for falling ice and any downed power lines.
• Avoid falls by following these tips.

If you must drive somewhere, make sure you have an emergency kit in your car and:

• Try to drive on major roads, since they’re usually cleared sooner.
• Let family or friends know your route and when you expect to arrive.
• Stay inside your vehicle even if you’re stopped because of the snow, ice or poor visibility, unless you can take shelter in a nearby building.
• When it gets dark, turn on the overhead light in your car so that you’re more visible to rescue teams. Run the engine occasionally to keep the battery charged.
• Drive safely and know what to do in case of a skid

• 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).

• Check our snow removal page to find out when your neighbourhood will be cleared.
• Be extra careful when you go out, the roads may still be slippery.
• Consider shovelling out the safety exits for your building and check the amount of snow on the roof of your building and your car.
• If the power was out for a number of hours, check the condition of any perishable foods in the fridge and freezer.