You hear it on the radio and your phone makes the awful sound of the emergency alert system, a snow storm is on its way and is about cover your neighborhood in excessive amounts of snow. Do you know what to do? Do you feel prepared?

If you live in areas where heavy snowfall is a frequent occurrence, then chances are, you have what you need and can weather the storm. However, if you are a new homeowner, new to town, or have not experienced a snow storm before, then there are a few things that you should do to give your best chance at a relaxing time watching the snow fall.

It goes without saying, but having a good stock of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate is top of the list for any household. While this may not be critical to your survival, though it may help your sanity, it will make the time spent indoors more enjoyable.

There are several other items and actions that we should prepare and do leading up to and during a winter storm. Below, we will discuss the top #. These tips and tools can help keep your household and yourself from being injured and damage to your property.

1.       Stay Off the Roads Where Possible

If you have not prepared or had little warning leading up to a snow storm, the best thing to do, depending on your circumstances, is to stay off the roads. Call in sick, raid your pantry, and put on a good movie.

Road conditions, poor visibility, snow plough traffic will all affect your safety while out on the road. That’s why it is important for you to stay at home. This will prevent unnecessary accidents where you could be stranded for hours waiting for emergency services.

If you cannot call in sick, such as working in critical infrastructure, emergency services, or due to financial reasons, then pack an emergency kit. Basic car emergency kits should include:

• Water or pedialyte drinks

• Blankets

• Protein/meal replacement bars, trail mix, etc.

• Flares/pylons and high visibility clothing

• Fully charged cellphone

• Flashlight

• Small shovel

• Gravel or cat litter (for traction)

If you do end up getting stuck in the snow, turn off your car as snowfall may block the car exhaust, causing a build-up of carbon monoxide within the vehicle, which can be life threatening.

2.       Check Your House Vents

If you live in a home or condo, make sure the vents around your house stay clear of snow. White tubes are typically intake/vents for your furnace. Others may be for your dryer, bathroom, or kitchen fans. Keeping these free of snow will help reduce a build-up of carbon monoxide within your home.

This is also a good time to test your carbon monoxide detectors, which are required by law in Ontario adjacent to each sleeping area of the home when you have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

3.       Shovel Often With Several Rest Breaks

If your area is expecting a large amount of snowfall in a short period of time, don’t wait until all the snow has fallen before shoveling. By shoveling several times throughout the day, and taking several rest breaks, you can reduce the physical strain of lifting heavy amounts of snow, plus it helps to make emergency travel or emergency services to/from the home.

Before shoveling, make sure you do some basic stretches and exercises to get your body ready for the strenuous activity.

If you are shoveling or going outside, dress appropriately, have a “buddy system” or someone to check up on you, and keep an eye out for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Signs of frostbite: hardened/pale skin, pain and stinging followed by numbness, loss of feeling in affect area, white/blue/black skin

Signs of hypothermia:

Mild – Shivering and complaining of cold, numbness in fingers and toes, body temperature slightly below normal.

Moderate – Shivering, numbness in fingers and toes, lack of coordination and/or speech, confused or unusual behavior, impaired judgment.

Severe – Person has stopped shivering and complaining of cold, lack of coordination and/or speech, confused or unusual behavior, impaired judgment, glassy stare, body temperature below 30°C, breathing has slowed down or stopped, possible unconsciousness.

4.       Be Prepared for Secondary Hazards

During a sever snow storm, secondary hazards or emergencies can arise. This can include power outages, frozen pipes, and flooding (when it all melts). Keep emergency supplies such as food and drink, extra blankets, and hand sanitizer/masks stocked up in the house if you have to deal with a lack of power/water or evacuate the home.

5.       Take Care of Mental and Physical Health

As many have experienced during the pandemic, being isolated indoors takes a toll on our mental and physical health. If you are stuck inside during a winter storm, take 15 minutes to do some basic exercises. Getting your heart rate up and your body moving around will help boost your mood. Listening to some of your favorite songs and dancing/singing along to them can give you a physical and mental boost.

If you are suffering from mental issues, take the time to call a close friend/family member. You can also reach out to several free mental health resources. I have included some examples below:

Canada

• Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)

• For residents of Québec, call 1 866 APPELLE (1.866.277.3553)

• Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868.

USA

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of snow storms or new to the experience, taking the time to prepare for and manage during a snow storm will reduce the mental and physical stress of the event.