Severe Storm Preparedness: Tips for Staying Safe Before and During a Storm

Oct 11, 2024

Graphic with backpack, checklist, and icon of storm warning

This guide will help you get ready for various types of severe storms, including severe winter weather.


On this page:

  1. Understanding Severe Weather Alerts
    • What the types of alerts mean
  2. Preparing for Severe Storms
    • Make a plan
    • Find a weather buddy
    • Prepare your home
    • Plan for power outages
    • Prepare your vehicle
  3. During a Severe Storm
  4. After the Storm
  5. Stay Prepared

As storm season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your family, home, and community.

Whether it’s heavy rainfall, extreme winds, or snowstorms, severe weather can disrupt everyday life and lead to dangerous situations. By preparing ahead of time, you can reduce risks, protect your property, and ensure your family remains safe.

Understanding Severe Weather Alerts

Before diving into preparation tips, it’s important to understand the various severe weather alerts you might receive.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a variety of severe weather alerts to notify the public about hazardous weather conditions, such as:

  • Arctic Outflow
  • Blizzard
  • Coastal Flooding
  • Extreme Cold
  • Flash Freeze
  • Freezing Rain
  • Ice Storm
  • Severe Thunderstorm
  • Winter Storm

These are just some of the weather hazards that Environment Canada issues alerts for. You can find a complete list of alerts on their public weather alerts webpage.

What the types of alerts mean:

  • Warning: Urgent notification that severe weather is either happening or will happen soon.
  • Advisory: Issued for specific weather events, like fog, freezing drizzle, or frost, that are less severe but could still significantly impact daily life.
  • Watch: Indicates conditions where a significant storm or severe weather is possible. A watch may upgrade to a warning as the situation develops.
  • Special Weather Statement: The least urgent alert, issued when conditions are unusual but may cause concern.

Knowing the difference between these alerts can help you understand when to take action. Always follow your local weather forecast closely.

Preparing for Severe Storms

Here are some keys steps to take before winter arrives and the severe weather it brings with it.

1. Make a plan

When making your plan, keep the following in mind:

  • Public transportation may be cancelled.
  • Driving, walking, and cycling could be very dangerous due to slippery or snowy road conditions.
  • Utilities like phone, gas, electric, or water may be disrupted.
  • Consider the unique requirements of your loved ones and everyone in your home, such as Elders, people with disabilities, children, pets, and others in your home.

For more guidance, download PreparedBC’s fill-in-the-blanks emergency plan.

2. Find a Weather Buddy

If you or someone you know lives alone or has mobility challenges, find a buddy who can:

  • Help with shoveling snow.
  • Assist with errands if you’re unable to leave home.
  • Check in with you when a storm is approaching or hits.

3. Prepare your home

Storms can cause major damage to homes. Ensure your house is storm-ready by:

  • Trimming dead branches and removing dead trees.
  • Cleaning gutters, drains, and downpipes for proper water flow.
  • Checking and repairing your roof to prevent leaks.
  • Insulating walls and attics.
  • Installing weather-stripping on doors and windows.
  • Preparing for frozen pipes.
  • Using space heaters with care to avoid fire hazards.
  • Having your fireplace or wood stove cleaned and in working order.
  • Installing and checking carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Knowing how to turn off power and gas in case of flooding.

For more information, see PreparedBC’s Home Preparedness Guide.

4. Plan for Power Outages

Severe weather, especially in the winter, can cause power outages that last for days. To prepare:

  • Have a backup heat source, like a fireplace or generator (but never use grills or portable stoves indoors).
  • Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries in your emergency kit.
  • Stock non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking.
  • Create a plan for people with disabilities or mobility challenges, and ensure a backup power supply for medical equipment. If an elevator is required to leave your home, know what to do if the power goes out. Learn more information on emergency preparedness for people with disabilities 
  • Prepare a grab-and-go bag, including any traditional medicines or cultural items.

Learn more about how to prepare for power outages

Know what to do if you or a loved one has a disability

5. Prepare your vehicle

Severe storms, especially in winter, can impact driving conditions. Ensure you, and your car, are ready with:

  • Snow chains or winter tires.
  • A shovel, booster cables, and a scraper.
  • A blanket and warm clothing.
  • Non-perishable food and water.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full or your electric vehicle charged.
  • Create a vehicle emergency kit.
  • Check highway conditions and weather updates before traveling, and let someone know your route and expected times.

During a Severe Storm

When a storm hits, take these steps to stay safe:

  • Activate your plan: Contact your weather buddy and activate your emergency plan as needed.
  • Stay indoors: Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Stay away from windows, doors, and fireplaces.
  • Monitor weather alerts: Stay informed through reliable sources and follow evacuation instructions if needed.
  • Stay warm: If the power goes out, close off unused rooms and use blankets to stay warm.
  • Help neighbours: Check on elderly or disabled neighbours.
  • Protect electronics: Unplug electronics to avoid power surge damage.
  • Store drinking water: Fill containers in case water services are interrupted.
  • Protect pets: Bring pets indoors and ensure their safety.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed:

  • Clear snow and ice safely: Avoid overexertion while shoveling. Use sand or salt to prevent slipping.
  • Inspect your home: Check for roof or gutter damage, and remove fallen branches with caution.
  • Avoid downed power lines: Stay at least 10 meters away from downed lines and report them to 9-1-1.
  • Drive cautiously: Roads may still be icy or obstructed by debris, so use caution if travel is necessary.

Stay Prepared

By following these tips, you can be better prepared for severe storms, helping protect yourself, your family, and your community. Regular preparation ensures that when a storm hits, you’re ready to minimize risks and stay safe.

Don’t forget!

If you use items from your emergency kits, replace them as soon as possible to ensure you’re always ready.

Set a reminder on your phone to review and update your home emergency plan, emergency kit, and grab-and-go bags at least once a year.

Additional Resources:

For more detailed information, download PreparedBC’s Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide.

 

ASK THE PREPAREDNESS TEAM

If you would like to learn more about emergency preparedness, the FNESS Preparedness Team is eager to help you and your community!

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