Five ways to prepare for a holiday storm
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 6:11 PM - Models are hinting that a significant weather pattern could bring significant precipitation to parts of eastern Canada, starting Christmas Eve. Here are five things you can do to prepare for a holiday storm.
5. Do your shopping ahead of time.
Most stores will be closed on December 25, so consider picking up supplies early. This may include:
- Candles
- Batteries
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Necessary medications
- Bottled water
- Warm winter clothes
- Shovel
- Ground salt
- A three-day supply of perishable, easy-to-prep food
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4. Charge your cell phones
Big storms can cause widespread power outages that can last for hours -- or, in the event of last year's Christmas ice storm -- days. Make sure your phone is charged ahead of time and you have extra chargers. Battery-operated chargers are handy to have in the event of a power outage.
3. Survey your property
Bring patio furniture and decorations inside ahead of a storm. You should limit the time pets spend outdoors -- frostbite can develop quickly in the cold.
You'll also want to take a quick survey of your home for cracks that can let the cold in.
2. Stay on top of the weather
Keep a battery-operated radio and/or television handy to keep on top of the changing weather conditions. Tune into The Weather Network on TV for up-to-the minute updates on active weather in your neighbourhood.
1. Keep warm
Power outages can cause homes to lose heat fast. Make sure you're stocked up on blankets, sleeping bags, and have access to an alternate heat sources -- like a fire place. DO NOT use gas-powered generators or BBQs to warm your home. Last winter, two people died in Ontario from carbon monoxide poisoning when they used a gas-powered generator to warm-up following a blackout from the 2013 North American ice storm.
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