Severe Weather

Severe weather can develop quickly and include events such as blizzards, hail, heavy rain, ice storms, thunderstorms, storm surges and high winds. Severe weather events are expected to increase in our region over the next 50 years due to a changing climate. These events potentially threaten life and property, so it makes sense to get prepared.

Preparing for Severe Weather

Make sure you have an emergency plan, grab & go bag and emergency kit for everyone in your family. Stocking up on extra fuel and food, and stay tuned to radio and televisions stations for weather updates.

Preparedness Tips

If a severe storm is forecasted, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose – indoors and outdoors. Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property.

  • If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors and fireplaces.
  • You may want to go to the sheltered area that you and your family chose for your emergency plan.
  • If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Take your grab & go bag with you.
  • Never go out in a boat during a storm. If you are on the water and you see bad weather approaching, head for shore immediately. Always check the marine forecast before leaving for a day of boating and listen to weather reports during your cruise.
  • If you are in a car, stop the car away from trees or power lines that might fall on you. Stay there.

What To Do Before and During an Event

 

Heavy Rain

Hail

  • If you are outside, take cover when hail begins to fall.
  • If indoors, stay there and keep yourself and pets away from windows, glass doors and skylights, which can shatter if hit by hailstones.
  • Protect your vehicle by putting it in the garage.

Extreme Cold

  • Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to frost bite or hypothermia, and power outages can disrupt the heat in your home
  • Check weather forecasts, and dress in layers with a hat, gloves and warm dry shoes.

Blizzards

  • If a blizzard or heavy blowing snow is forecast, you may want to string a lifeline between your house and any outbuildings to which you may have to go to during the storm.
  • If you must travel during a winter storm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time.
  • If your car gets stuck in a blizzard or snowstorm, remain calm and stay in your car. Check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked with snow. Remember, you can’t smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.
  • To keep your hands and feet warm, exercise them regularly. In general, keep moving to avoid falling asleep. Avoid overexertion.

Ice Storms

  • If you must go outside after an ice storm, pay attention to branches or wires that could fall on you due to the weight of the ice. Be aware of ice sheets from roofs as well.
  • Assume all downed power lines are live and keep a distance of at least 10 metres or 33 feet. To move away from a downed power line, shuffle backwards keeping your feet touching each other, never lifting them from the ground.
  • Avoid driving when freezing rain is forecast.

Lightning and Thunderstorms

  • To estimate how far away lightning is during a storm, count the seconds between the flash of lightning and the thunderclap. Each second is about 300 metres. If you count fewer than 30 seconds look for shelter. If you count fewer than 5 seconds take shelter immediately.
  • Before a thunderstorm, unplug radios and TVs and listen for weather updates on your battery-powered radio.
  • During thunderstorms, you should stay away from items that conduct electricity, like telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes.
  • Do not remove laundry from the clothesline during a storm because the line may conduct electricity.
  • Always take shelter during lightning. If you are outside and can’t find a building, get in a depressed area such as a ditch, culvert or cave. Never go under a tree.
  • If you are caught in the open, do not lie flat. Get in the leap-frog position to reduce your contact with the ground and your chance of being electrocuted by a ground charge.
  • Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, golf carts or use metal shovels or golf clubs because they may conduct electricity.

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