​​​​​​​​​​Extreme Hot Weather Safety Tips

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Limit your exposure to the sun.
• Avoid strenuous activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its hottest.
• Spend the hottest part of the day in a cool or shaded area.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing their fluid intake.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages as they can increase your risk of dehydration.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothes that cover as much as possible.
• Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car.
• Check on your family, friends and neighbours, especially if they live alone.

Extreme Cold Weather Safety Tips

• Check the weather report before going outside.
• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.
• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton stops keeping you warm once it gets wet.
• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
• Drink warm fluids, other than alcohol.
• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy.
• Heat your home to at least 21°C if infants or elderly people are present.
• Visit vulnerable loved ones, friends, neighbours to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

Winter Power Outage Tips

In winter, power supply interruptions can last from a few hours to several days. They are often caused by severe winter storms that may bring freezing rain, large snowfalls and high winds that can cause damage to the infrastructure supplying power to our homes.

Here are some tips that can help you plan to protect yourself and your family.

Before an outage:

• Check flashlights and battery-powered portable radios to ensure that they are working, and that you have extra batteries. A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm.
• Make sure that your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.
• Keep an emergency supply kit that will sustain your family for a minimum of 3 days and preferably for seven days.

During an outage:

• Do not use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide, which can cause serious health problems and even death.
• Do not use gas appliances such as stoves as a source of heat as they will deplete the oxygen in your home.
• Leave one light switch on so you know when power is restored.
• Dress for the season, wearing several light layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

After an outage:

• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
• Check with and help your neighbours and continue to stay off the streets when hazards are present.
• Restock and regularly inspect your emergency survival kit so the supplies will be there when needed again.

Tips to Prepare for a Flood

• Know the risks – Be aware of what types of hazards might affect your home and what kinds of emergencies might impact your family.
• Make a plan – Having a family emergency plan will save time and make real situations less stressful.
• Get a kit - In an emergency, you may need to evacuate your home and will need some basic supplies. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours.
• Talk to your insurance provider – Overland flood insurance is not a standard offering on most policies, talk to your broker to confirm your coverage and options.
• Protect your home – There may be steps you can take to make your property less vulnerable from flooding in general, such as installing backflow preventers and keeping valuables on higher floors.
  
• Stay informed – Be aware of circumstances that could potentially lead to flooding.