Getting Ready for a Winter Storm

Winter storms are a lot easier to handle when you’ve done a bit of planning on a calm day. Think about two setups: what you’d grab if you had to leave and what you need if you’re staying put.

What to have on hand:

• Food, water, and medicine
  • Keep simple, shelf-stable food that you actually like to eat
  • Aim for about 4 litres of water per person per day (for drinking and basic use)
  • Try to maintain at least a 1-month supply of essential medications
• To-go kit
  • A small kit that you can carry quickly if you need to relocate to stay warm
  • Plan for at least three days of essentials: light, basic first aid, snacks, water, chargers, and key comfort items
• Stay at home kit
  • Aim for two weeks of supplies at home
  • Include warm clothing, extra blankets, backup light sources, and easy meals that you can make without power
    
• Important records
  • Store personal, financial, and medical information somewhere safe and easy to grab
• Outdoor safety
  • Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products ready to keep walkways and steps safer once it's okay to go outside
• Household plan
  • Decide in advance:
    • Who you'll check on (family, neighbours, etc.)
    • Where you'll go if your home loses heat
    • How you'll communicate if phones or Wi-Fi are spotty

A little bit of prep plus a stocked emergency kit turns a winter storm from chaos into something you can handle.