Winter weather and storm preparedness social media package
Last updated on February 20, 2024During the fall and winter months, B.C. experiences seasonal hazards such as severe winter weather, flooding and power outages.
To help build resilient communities, we have created easy-to-use social media packages with pre-formatted content and graphics to help folks prepare.
Post this content directly to your own social media channels or follow Prepared BC on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and share our posts!
Instructions for posting
- Copy-and-paste the content below in a new post
- Download, then attach the graphics below
- Option: add information, photos and hashtags specific to your community
- Links and tagged accounts can be tricky, make sure to check they work before you post
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Winter weather
Before winter weather begins
Severe winter weather, like hail, blizzards, ice storms, high winds and heavy rain can happen anytime and without warning. Are you ready? Make an emergency plan and build an emergency kit for your home. www.PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyKit #BCstorm
Are you ready for #BCstorm? Building an emergency kit for your home will make sure you’re prepared for whatever weather comes your way. Don’t forget supplies for your pets, too! www.PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyKit
#BCstorm season is upon us – are you, the people you live with and your home ready?
✔️ Insulate walls and attics
✔️ Install weather-stripping along doors and windows
✔️ Learn how to keep pipes from freezing
#BCstorm tip: Ensure your home and car emergency kits are refreshed and updated – you may need them this winter!
The new @PreparedBC Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide is a must-read for everyone. Get prepared for a potential #BCstorm today! Download the guide at: preparedbc.ca/SevereWeather
During winter weather
If a #BCstorm is in the forecast, get the latest provincial updates from @EmergencyInfoBC. For local information follow
TIP: Link to the places where you post the latest news and updates. Include your website and social media accounts if you have them.
#BCstorm tip: Respect travel advisories issued by @DriveBC. If you don’t need to be on the road, stay home.
Check in on neighbours, friends & loved ones during a #BCstorm, especially those that live alone or experience mobility challenges during winter weather. If you’re able, help shovel snow or gather supplies.
Stay safe and warm outdoors this winter with:
✔️ A hat & gloves to prevent heat loss
✔️ Waterproof winter boots with good grip to stay safe on slippery roads
✔️ Bright colours & reflective clothing so cars can see you
✔️ Clothes in layers
Power outages
Prepare for power outages
Don’t be left in the dark! Having your home emergency kit stocked and ready will ensure you are prepared for power outages. Learn more: PreparedBC.ca/PowerOutages #BCstorm
During extended power outages, you may be left without light, heat and hot water. Are you prepared? Getting ready for any emergency is as easy as 1-2-3.
1) Know your hazards
2) Make your emergency plan
3) Build your emergency kit and grab-and-go bags
Power outages can happen anytime and without warning. Make sure you have an emergency plan and emergency kit with supplies to support your household for three days to two weeks: PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyKit #BCstorm
Are you ready in case of a #poweroutage? @BCHydro has some great tips for preparing your business: http://ow.ly/UN3n30pxNg3 #BCstorm
Are you ready in case of a #poweroutage? @BCHydro has some great tips for preparing your home: http://ow.ly/msD430pxNgx #BCstorm
Are you ready for a #BCstorm? Gather enough supplies (food, water, flashlights, blankets & batteries) in case you find yourself without power. Don’t forget pets – they need supplies, too! Preparedbc.ca/EmergencyPlans#pets
During a power outage
If there is a power outage during a #BCstorm, NEVER use a camp stove, BBQ, generator or propane or kerosene heater indoors. A build-up of carbon monoxide gas in closed areas can be deadly www.gov.bc.ca/CarbonMonoxideAwareness
#PowerOutage tip: A downed power line is dangerous, even if you don’t touch it! If you see a downed power line, stay back at least 10 metres and dial 9-1-1. Visit @BCHydro for more: https://ow.ly/mGOq50PGBkO
#PowerOutage tip: Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to avoid spoiling food. Learn more from @InspectionCan https://ow.ly/rrpH50PGBpZ
Stay informed! Find up-to-date power outage information at bchydro.com/outages or @BCHydro #BCstorm
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Please note: when posting to Instagram, the links won't be 'clickable'.
Winter weather
Before winter weather and storms
Winter storm season is here. Snow, wind, ice and other severe weather can lead to emergency situations like power outages and flooding. Prepare your home and yourself for the season.
✔️ Make sure you have an adequate supply of food and water
✔️ Have a battery-operated radio
✔️ Stow flashlights with extra batteries
✔️ Winterize your home
✔️ Inspect your chimney or flue
Download the guide at: preparedbc.ca/SevereWeather
Winter weather conditions can quickly become dangerous with little or no warning. Make sure you are prepared for severe winter weather and storms when you’re out on the road:
✔️ Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter with proper maintenance
✔️ Be aware of tire and chain requirements where you are driving
✔️ Keep your gas tank at least half full or half charged at all times
✔️ Create a vehicle emergency kit with winter-specific items like a windshield scraper, shovel, and windshield washer fluid
✔️ Follow @DriveBC and @TranBC for travel advisories and road conditions
Get prepared for severe winter weather and storms. Create an emergency plan with winter-specific considerations.
When writing your plan, keep the following in mind:
- Public transportation may be cancelled.
- Driving could be very dangerous due to slippery or snowy road conditions.
- Phone, gas, electric and water services may be disrupted during a power outage.
How could these situations influence your emergency planning?
Hazardous winter conditions such as snow, rain, extreme cold, freezing rain, and floods can affect your safety in many different ways. Start by having a conversation at home. Talk about how you’ll communicate with each other and what you’ll do to stay safe and warm during a power outage.
Emergency planning doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get started at: PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyPlan
During winter weather and storms
Winter storm season is here. Conditions can change quickly. The most important thing you can do is follow all alerts and travel advisories related to incoming, or occurring, winter weather.
Follow:
- @EmergencyInfoBC
- @DriveBC and @TranBC
- Weather.gc.ca (for weather alerts)
- For local information follow
TIP: Link to the places where you post the latest news and updates. Include your website and social media accounts if you have them
Winter storm season is here. It can be challenging to get around by your typical transportation methods like walking, biking, or taking the bus. Be kind and patient with your neighbours and community members.
If you’re able, and it’s safe to do so, support your neighbours and loved ones by:
- Clearing snow or putting down salt on your walkways
- Gathering supplies for those who aren’t able to leave their homes
Power outages
Prepare for power outages
Hey, who turned out the lights??
Power outages are common during the fall and winter months. Make sure you’re prepared with a complete household emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, a first aid kit and other essentials for three days to two weeks. PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyKit
Prepare for a power outage BEFORE it happens:
✔️ Complete your home emergency plan and pack your emergency kit.
✔️ Consider how people with disabilities or others requiring assistance may be affected during a power outage. Plan for a backup power supply for essential medical equipment.
✔️ Chat with your neighbours about how you'll help each other.
✔️ Take an inventory of all necessary items that rely on electricity and try to find alternatives like flashlights and lanterns.
✔️ Keep mobile phones charged; have extra power banks in your emergency kit.
Are you ready in case of a power outage? Winter weather like wind, snow, and ice can cause a power outage. Make sure your emergency kit is in an easy-to-reach, accessible place so it’s easy to find in the dark!
@BCHydro has more great tips for preparing your home: http://ow.ly/msD430pxNgx
During power outages
If you’re sheltering from a storm and the power goes out, be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
✔️ Never heat your home with a gas stove top or oven
✔️ Never use a camp stove, barbeque, generator or propane or kerosene heater indoors
✔️ Only use gas-powered generators and grills outdoors and away from windows
www.gov.bc.ca/CarbonMonoxideAwareness
The power is out but you have a fridge full of food. Now what?
@BCHydro suggests that if the power is out for less than four hours, the food in your fridge and freezer will be safe to consume.
If the power is out in your home for longer than four hours, follow these guidelines on making your food supply last as long as possible. http://ow.ly/h3qE30smenA
Communication is key during a power outage. Conserve your phone’s battery by:
✔️ Reducing the screen's brightness
✔️ Placing your phone in airplane mode when not using it
✔️ Closing apps you are not using
✔️ Turning on the battery saving setting