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What to do if the power goes out:

• Report the outageÌýto your local power distribution company.
• Stay warm.ÌýBundle up and use blankets to keep warm. If you can do so safely, use alternative power sources and a backup generator to heat your home. Never run a generator, gas heater or grill indoors or in an enclosed area. That is a major carbon monoxide risk.
• Warm up your pipes. If your pipes freeze, warm them with hot water and rags. Do not use a torch, as that’s a serious fire hazard.
• Avoid downed power lines. If you notice that powerlines are down, do not approach them!ÌýCall yourÌýlocal utility company to report any in your area.
• Preserve your food. Move the food in your refrigerator andÌýfreezer to a cooler area like the basement so it doesn’t spoil. You can store frozen items outdoors if it is safe to do so.
• Listen to the radio or download the for information and updates.

How to prepare your car for winter:

• Top up the gas tank. Never let your gas tank get too low in cold temperatures. Keep it full to prevent condensation in the tank and gas lines and freezing. That will also come in handy if you have to travel in an emergency.
• Winterize your vehicle.ÌýTop up your antifreeze, check our battery, and replace fuel and air filters. Check your oil, put on winter tires and make sure your windshield wipers work properly.
• Drive safe!ÌýWinter can bring some pretty nasty driving conditions. If you must drive, follow these : slow down, give lots of space, and get winter tires. Make sure you can see by clearing all snow from the hood, roof, windows and lights before driving.
• Pack an .ÌýThis kit should contain items like booster cables, traction (sandbag or cat litter), energy bars, warm clothes and blankets, candles and matches, a shovel and a flashlight.
• Have your car serviced. A certified mechanic can give your car a quick safety inspection before taking a trip in the winter. They’ll check the tires, battery, brakes, defrost system and fluid levels. They’ll also catch and fix any minor issues that could give you trouble on the road.

In case of a winter emergency on the road

• Drive to the conditions! Drive safely, patiently and responsibly, remembering that other drivers might also have issues with sliding and visibility.Ìý
• Try to stay on the main roads. Avoid back road shortcuts, as these are less likely to be well-lit, plowed or gravelled.
• Pack traction. If you get stuck, use sand or cat litterÌýfrom your emergency kit to melt ice or gain traction. You can also pick up a portable traction kit from the hardware store.
• Ensure visibility. Clear snowÌýfrom the top of your car, headlights and windows. Make sure you’re using antifreeze window washer fluid and that your wipers are in good condition.
• Keep emergency contactsÌýlike your car insurance and emergency towing service handy.
• If you’re stuck, stay put! If you’re stuck in a storm and can no longer drive, stay in your car! Unless you can see shelter from the vehicle, it’s best to stay put. Many people have gotten lost in winter storms. You can run your car periodically to stay warm, but don't keep the engine on too long to preserve fuel.
• Watch the exhaust. If you’re stuck on the side of the road and running the car, check the exhaust pipe. Make sure it is completely clear of ice and snow, or you could risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

Preparing for a snowstorm

• Put together an emergency kit.ÌýYou don't want to be left scrambling around for essential gear at the last minute when a storm is coming. An emergency kit can include flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, blankets, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher that has been properly serviced, and medical supplies — including at least one week of prescription medications. Be sure to replenish your kit each winter with season-specific gear.
• Stock up on non-perishable food and water. Consider what the entire family needs to eat for at least three days. Do this at the start of winter, so when a storm hits, you’re not fighting crowds at the grocery store.Ìý
• Make a communication plan.ÌýA storm can come anytime, and your family might not be together when it does. Plan for how you’ll communicate with each other in an emergency. Ensure your kids have emergency phone numbers, including your work numbers and other family members.
• Practice your evacuation plan.ÌýIf something happens and you must get out of your home, you must have an escape plan. Go over the plan with your family, run a few drills and make sure everyone understands how to exit and where to meet if you must evacuate.
• Learn first aid.ÌýBrush up on your basic first aid and CPR. This certification can save lives in any emergency, especially if emergency response vehicles are blocked by a snowstorm or overwhelmed with calls.

What to do during a snowstorm

In case of a winter emergency at home

• Know your weather alert lingo.ÌýIn Alberta, there are different winter weather alert terms that warn us of incoming weather.
  • Winter Weather Advisory:ÌýThe National Weather Service will issue an advisory when significant amounts of precipitation are on their way, but not expected to cause major hazards.
  • Winter Storm Watch:ÌýThis means severe weather conditions that can hurt people and property are possible, but not guaranteed, over the next 48 hours.
  • Winter Storm Warning:ÌýA warning means that a major storm carrying substantial amounts of precipitation is either on its way or already affecting your area. A winter storm warning means it is serious enough to jeopardize lives or cause considerable property damage.
• Prepare for the conditions.ÌýA winter storm can mean snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice, wind or a combination of all of it! But sometimes, the warnings are more specific or can apply to a specific location.
  • Blizzard Warning:ÌýA blizzard warning means heavy wind and snowfall likely to reduce visibility for a long period.
  • Ice Storm Warning:ÌýThis means that a significant amount of ice will accumulate on the ground, homes and vehicles. Be extra careful on the roads and sidewalks during and following an ice storm.
  • Freeze Watch or Warning:ÌýFreeze alerts are given when it is possible or likely that freezing temperatures will endure for a day or longer.
• Stay connected.ÌýListen to the radio, visit Ìýor download the app to stay informed.
• Protect your pets. Bring pets and other animals insideÌýwhere they are sheltered from extreme weather. Make sure they can access fresh water.
• Charge up! Keep your phones fully chargedÌýand have a backup portable charger in case of a power outage.
• Watch out for each other. Watch out for your family members and neighbours. Understand the signs of frostbite and hypothermiaÌýso you can help anyone who was stuck outside for too long in the storm.

What to do after a snowstorm

• Watch for hazards. Stay away from power linesÌýand avoid driving on roads with fallen debris.
• Walk and drive carefully. Be cautious of iceÌýthat remains on surfaces when walking outside or driving.
• Check your food. Throw out any foodÌýthat may have gone bad during a power outage.
• Clear your walkways. When it's safe to venture outside,Ìýshovel the walkways around the house. If it is icy, use salt or sand to improve traction. You don’t want to slip and fall!
• Inspect your house. Winter storms can wreak havoc on homes. Give your house a quick indoor and outdoor inspection, looking for storm damage, leaks or other issues.
• Check on loved ones. Check on friends and neighbours, especially those who are more vulnerable, like the elderly, or those who live alone.
• Report damage. If you see that public property, a power line or other utility equipment has suffered damage from the storm, report it to the utility provider or community service.
• Restock your emergency kit. If you got into your emergency kit during the storm, make sure you restock it again. You want to beÌýprepared in case of another weather emergency.