How to Survive a Severe Blizzard: Essential Safety Tips
Blizzards are one of Canada's most dangerous winter phenomena. Learn how to prepare your home and vehicle for extreme winter storms.
Preparation is the key to surviving winter's worst storms.
A blizzard combines blowing snow with winds of 40 km/h or more, reducing visibility to less than 400 meters for at least four hours. In Canada, these storms can freeze exposed skin in minutes. Here is how to stay safe.
1. Secure Your Home
Ensure you have an emergency kit with at least 72 hours of food, water, and essential medication. Have a backup heating source if the power goes out, such as a wood stove or approved indoor propane heater.
2. Winterize Your Car
Keep a survival kit in your trunk containing blankets, booster cables, a shovel, sand or kitty litter, and non-perishable snacks. If you get stranded in your car, stay inside, run the engine sparingly for warmth, and make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow.