Snow & Winter Safety

Snow & Winter Safety

Stewart is one of the snowiest towns in Canada.  Over a typical winter, on average 572 cm (18.75 feet) of snow lands in Stewart.

Prepare For Winter

Before a winter storm arrives, plan ahead so you can comfortably and safely carry on during the winter season.

  • Make arrangements with family members who may be elderly or have limited mobility issues and who do not live with you– help them prepare for winter.
  • Get your home winter ready – have your furnace inspected, shut off outside water, and clean the catch basin grates before snow arrives.
  • Assess the trees on your property and trim dead branches to reduce the danger of them falling onto power lines or your house during a storm.
  • Winterize your vehicle and, when it snows, drive only with good winter tires.
  • Make alternate plans for getting to work in the snow.
  • Be sure to have warm clothing and solid shoes or boots with good traction.

Assemble the following basic emergency supplies to help your family be self-sufficient for 72 hours:

  • Water – at least 4 litres of water per person per day (to consume and for food preparation/hygiene)
  • Food – that won’t spoil and requires little or no preparation (i.e. canned, or dried)
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Battery powered or wind up radio
  • First Aid Kit
  • Specialty items (for the needs of infants, elderly, disabled persons and pets)
  • Extra keys and some cash in smaller bills
  • A copy of your emergency plan and contact information

Planning Ahead

Home

  • Have a flashlight, electric lantern, extra batteries
  • Consider an alternative safe heating system
  • Choose approved heating units that do not depend on an electric motor, electric fan or other electrical device to function
  • Check with the dealer or manufacturer regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures
  • Use caution and follow directions when operating generators, insuring they are in a proper well-ventilated area
  • Furnace and fireplace maintenance considerations are very important in preparing for winter weather.
  • Never use a camp stove, barbecue, or propane or kerosene heater indoors.

Vehicle Preparation

Colder temperatures demand a lot of your vehicle, so it's important to prepare for the winter season. Visit a qualified technician to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Make sure you have the following items in your vehicle to help you in the case of an emergency:

  • Jumper cables
  • Shovel
  • Traction pads or chains
  • Ice scraper
  • Towing cable
  • Flares
  • Blanket, warm gloves and boots
  • First aid kit, candles and non-perishable foods such as candy bars
  • Flashlight

Other Snow-Smart Tips

  • Keep children safe: don’t let them play in snow piles or roadside snowbanks.
  • Parked vehicles hamper snowplows; if possible, don’t park on the street after it snows.
  • When shovelling snow, pile it on your property – not on the sidewalk or street.
  • Clear snow and ice away from storm sewer catch basins to allow the melted snow to reach the storm sewer. When catch basins are blocked, street flooding can occur, turning the street into an ice rink when the temperature drops.

If You Are Planning a Road-Trip:

Citizen Services

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