Getting ready for winter weather in Kawartha Lakes

From creating emergency kits to staying informed about road conditions, a few small actions can have a big impact. By doing your part, you’re not just protecting your family – you’re supporting your neighbours and making our community stronger.

Emergency management in three simple steps: 

1. Know the risks. 

2. Make a plan. 

3. Get an emergency kit. 

Visit Ontario’s Emergency Management webpage to learn about the types of emergencies that may occur and what steps you can take to prepare your home and your family. 

 

Preparing for winter storms 

According to the Province of Ontario, winter storms kill more Canadians than tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods, and hurricanes combined. Prepare ahead of time using the following as a guideline: 

• Build an emergency preparedness kit with essentials such as flashlights, water, non-perishable food, blankets, and warm clothing. 

• Make sure you have a backup supply of important medications in case of any extended outages or travel disruptions. 

• Prepare your home for cold weather. Options include insulating walls and attics, sealing doors and windows, installing storm windows, and shutting off or insulating outdoor water pipes. 

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually. 

• Trim tree branches that could fall under the weight of snow or ice. 

• Stock up on salt or traction aids to prevent slips and falls. 

• Test your smoke alarm(s) and carbon monoxide detector(s) to make sure they are functioning properly. 

 

Power outage and blackout preparation

Prepare in advance for potential outages by using the recommendations below:

• Create an emergency plan that considers medical devices, refrigerated medications, or mobility challenges. 

• Keep your household’s emergency preparedness kit stocked to last at least three days. 

• Follow manufacturer instructions for generators and ensure they are properly installed. 

• Use battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and test them regularly. 

• Use surge-protecting power bars for electronics. 

• Lower refrigerator and freezer temperatures before major storms to help protect your food supply. 

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times, especially in the winter. 

• Sign up for Outage Alerts through Hydro One to get notifications of current and planned outages for your area.

• Clear all ice and snow from your windows, lights, mirrors and roof. 

• Slow down and adjust your driving for the conditions. 

• Allow extra space between vehicles, doubling the usual two-second rule. 

• Focus and stay alert; avoid distractions, watch for ice, and remember that shaded areas, bridges and overpasses freeze first. 

• See and be seen. Use your vehicle’s full lighting system in poor visibility and whiteout conditions. 

 

Snow Angels Canada 

Snow Angels Canada is a community-based tool that connects neighbours who need help shovelling with volunteers who want to lend a hand. If you need support, or want to support someone else, visit Snow Angels Canada to learn more. 

 

Be notified of winter weather and cold alerts