Blizzards

Blizzards/winter storms come in on a wave of cold arctic air, bringing snow, bitter cold, high winds and poor visibility due to blowing snow and may last from a few hours to a few days.

• When a winter storm hits, stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress for the weather. Outer clothing should be tightly woven and water-repellent. The jacket should have a hood. Wear mittens - they are warmer than gloves - and a hat, a large portion of body heat is lost through the head.
• Poor visibility, low temperatures and high winds combine to create a significant hazard.
• In Canada, blizzards with high winds are most common in the Prairies, eastern Arctic and eastern Ontario.
• Heavy snowfalls are most common in British Columbia, the Atlantic provinces, southern and eastern Quebec and areas around the Great Lakes.
• Freezing rain can occur pretty much anywhere in the country but is particularly common in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

What to do before

• 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 during the storm.
• If you live on a farm, shelter animals. Generally, if the structure is sound, the animals should be placed indoors. Once they are inside, secure all openings to the outside. The sheltering should be ordered and completed before similar action is taken for humans. Water supplies should be checked for freezing. Many animals have died of thirst during the winter, even with abundant water sources, because they could not drink the water as it was frozen solid.

What to do during

• When a winter storm hits, stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress for the weather. Outer clothing should be tightly woven and water-repellent. The jacket should have a hood. Wear mittens - they are warmer than gloves - and a hat, a large portion of body heat is lost through the head.
• Visibility can be virtually zero during heavy blowing snow or a blizzard, especially in wide-open areas. You can easily lose your way. If a blizzard strikes, do not try to walk to another building unless there is a rope to guide you or something you can follow.
• 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. Allow fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side - away from the wind. You can run the car engine for about 10 minutes every half-hour if the exhaust system is working well. Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked by snow. Remember: you can't smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.
• To keep your hands and feet warm, exercise them periodically. In general, it is a good idea to keep moving to avoid falling asleep. If you do try to shovel the snow from around your car, avoid overexerting yourself.
• Overexertion in the bitter cold can cause death as a result of sweating or a heart attack.