A Canadian winter storm checklist covering alerts, home, car and a 72-hour kit, so a storm or outage is an inconvenience, not an emergency.
Key takeaways
- Check ECCC alerts, charge devices and fill fuel before the storm.
- Cover 72 hours of water, no-cook food, light, warmth and medication.
- Keep a winter kit in the car too.
Before the storm
- Check Environment and Climate Change Canada alerts for your area and sign up for local alerts.
- Charge phones, power banks and any power station.
- Fill vehicle fuel tanks. Keep them above half in winter.
- Bring in outdoor items, clear drains and clear snow from vents and exhausts.
- Fill water containers and the bathtub for flushing.
- Know where your main breaker, water shut-off and gas shut-off are.
In the home
- 72 hours of water: at least 2 L per person per day, ideally 4 L.
- No-cook food for 3 days or more and a manual can opener.
- Headlamps, flashlights and spare batteries.
- Battery or crank radio.
- Sleeping bags, blankets, hats, gloves and wool socks.
- Battery-backed carbon monoxide alarm, tested.
- Prescription medications for at least a week.
In the car
- Winter tires, working wipers and washer fluid.
- Blanket or sleeping bag, warm clothes and boots.
- Shovel, ice scraper, traction aid (sand or cat litter) and booster cables.
- Flashlight, power bank, whistle and a small first aid kit.
- Water and non-perishable snacks.
If the power fails
- Pick one room and heat it by closing doors and layering up. See how to stay warm safely.
- Never heat or cook with a barbecue, camp stove or generator indoors.
- Check on neighbours who may need help, especially older adults.
- If indoor temperatures drop near freezing, go to a warming centre or a friend's home.
Tools for a power outage
The outage planner turns your household size into water, food and battery numbers. A power station (see how to choose) is helpful if you must keep a router or medical device on.
Quick answers
How long should I prepare for?
At least 72 hours, as recommended by the Government of Canada. A week is better for rural areas.
What should I keep in my car?
Blanket, warm clothes, shovel, traction aid, booster cables, light, power bank, water and snacks.
Sources (2)
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