Tips to Prepare for Winter

Winters in Ontario can be unpredictable. The government of Ontario is committed to keeping the people and communities of the province safe. Here are some tips to help ensure Ontarians are ready for anything – from winter storms to icy roads to power outages.

Keep an emergency preparedness kit

Households are encouraged to build an emergency preparedness kit in case of a power outage or winter conditions that prevent people from being able to leave their homes. Kits should include items like a flashlight, water and non-perishable food to last for at least 3 days.

Weather-proof their homes

Remember to check for potential hazards around your home, including those that may not be top of mind. Remind community members, friends and family to do the same. The following actions will help get your home winter ready:

• Trim branches hanging over your house or vehicle so they don’t cause damage if they get weighed down with snow and ice.
• Shut off your outdoor water or insulate your outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in good working order.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned to ensure it’s not a fire hazard.
• Seal your windows and doors to prevent drafts.
• Stock up on salt to prevent falls on your driveway/sidewalk.

Get ready for winter driving with a vehicle winter kit

Winter weather has already begun in parts of Ontario. The following tips can help get you and your vehicle ready for winter driving:

• Get a maintenance checkup for your vehicle.
• Keep your fuel tank at least half full to help reduce moisture in the fuel system and add weight to the vehicle.
• Make sure you have an ice-scraper and washer fluid that works down to -40oC.
• Put together a winter kit to keep in your vehicle that includes a blanket, warm clothing like gloves, hats and sweaters, a phone charger, candles, a shovel, jumper cables and water.

Ontario.ca/WinterDriving has more tips on how to get ready and stay safe on the road. Before travelling this winter, encourage community members to plan their travel by visiting Ontario.ca/511 or using the 511 app available for free on the App Store and Google Play. Ontario 511 allows people to plan their route by reviewing road conditions, cameras, weather, and Track My Plow to find out where plows are on provincial highways.

For more tips about how to be ready for anything this winter, visit Ontario.ca/BePrepared and follow @OntarioWarnings on X.