Severe weather like snow, hail, blizzards, high winds or heavy rain can happen without warning and can affect your safety in different ways. Extreme cold can be hazardous, and the risk increases the more time you spend outdoors.
Protect yourself and others by learning more about the different kinds of winter hazards you might encounter and how to prepare.
Winter weather in B.C. is getting warmer and, in much of the province, wetter. However, this does not mean that winter weather will be less severe. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of winter weather conditions.
Even with climate change, we will still experience cold, snow, wind, and winter storms, but they may occur in places or in ways they haven’t before.
As temperatures continue to rise, we become more adapted to warmer temperatures and less prepared for colder temperatures. This means that when cold weather hits, communities feel the impacts of storms even more.
This section outlines basic readiness steps and winter specific considerations for your emergency plan.
When making your plan, keep the following in mind:
Also consider the unique requirements of your loved ones and everyone in your home, such as children, pets, and those with additional preparedness needs.
If you or someone you know lives alone or experiences mobility challenges in winter weather, make connections to find a winter weather buddy. Your buddy should be someone who can:
Check in with each other when winter weather arrives.
Take steps to winterize your home such as:
Severe winter weather like ice, wind and snow can cause power outages. It’s important to be prepared to live without power for several days.
Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter with proper maintenance.
When you’re outside in severe winter weather for work or recreation, stay warm and protected with appropriate clothing and gear, such as:
Visit AdventureSmart for important winter safety tips if you are planning to recreate in the outdoors this winter.
Check Avalanche Canada at Avalanche.ca for the avalanche forecast before heading into the backcountry.
If you used anything from your emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, replace it after the weather has improved or your power is back on.
Set a reminder on your phone to review and update your home emergency plan, emergency kit, and grab-and-go bags at least once a year.
Trust in your preparedness. Contact your winter weather buddy and activate your emergency plan as needed.
Check weather forecasts frequently when winter arrives. Conditions can change quickly. Follow all alerts and travel advisories related to winter weather.
Respect travel advisories issued by DriveBC. If you don’t need to be on the road, stay home.
Pay attention to trusted media outlets and community sources for more information and alerts related to winter weather. You can do this by following the trusted sources below.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (for weather alerts)
BC Hydro
DriveBC
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
EmergencyInfoBC
In response to severe weather events, emergency warming centres and general warming spaces may be opened for the public at the discretion of First Nations and local governments. Locations may be listed on EmergencyMapBC.ca at the discretion of First Nations and local governments. If a location is not listed on the map in your area, contact your Band office or local government.
Temporary winter shelters and extreme weather response shelter spaces are funded by BC Housing and operated by community partners for people experiencing homelessness.