Government officials and organizations such as the Salvation Army and St. Johns Ambulance have been encouraging people to make personal preparations for the 72 hours it may take officials to respond and correct problems resulting from winter storms.
Whether you live alone, with your family, in an apartment or house, there are preparations which you can make. Develop a buddy system, keeping in frequent touch with family and friends.

Organize medications, other medical supplies and a simple first aid kit. Stock up on nutrition-rich foods which can he eaten cold, if necessary. Canned beans, salmon, tuna, meats, canned soups and cheese go well with bread and crackers. Calorie-dense foods will help maintain energy. A minimum of 3,600 calories per person will he needed over three days. Hard candies, jelly beans and sugar cubes provide instant energy to maintain body heat. Cases of bottled water can be stored to be used for brushing teeth as well as drinking. Water purification tablets may he necessary if the water supply is fouled.

During a winter storm, power can fail suddenly. Then, unplug all electrical appliances. Your heating system will not operate. Stay calm. Don’t open outside doors needlessly. Your house will maintain warmth for several hours. Turn on your Canadian Standards Association approved alternative heating unit before the house cools down. Keep extra fuel stored Outside of the house. Run your taps slightly to help prevent pipe freeze-up.

When power is lost, food can he kept frozen on the porch or balcony. Drape quilts over freezers to help hold in the cold. You can use your gas range to cook food, but don’t try to heat the house with it. Poisonous carbon monoxide could form. Never use a charcoal or propane barbecue in the house for the same reason.

Keep warm. Dress in layers; mylar blankets. duvets, coats, toques, gloves, sleeping bags and cosy slippers can’t go amiss. You can also buy 12-hour thermal heat packs to warm hands, feet, etc. Candles placed in coffee cans can produce some heat. Candles, light sticks and flashlights (battery or shake type) and tiny LED pot lights will light your house. Be sure to keep batteries and matches on hand. Don’t leave burning candles unattended. Several people in one room will require less heat and light than separate rooms. Games, books, desserts and upbeat conversation will relieve stress.

Have a land-based telephone or cellphone to maintain communication. Keep a battery-powered, or crank-operated AM/FM radio to keep you informed.

Know your limitations. Whether a blizzard, ice storm, heavy snowfall or extreme cold wave hits, don’t venture out, unless absolutely necessary. Slips and falls, and danger from downed hydro lines are real. If you must go out, carry a whistle on a lanyard in case you need to summon help. Sprinkle icemelt or salt on steps and sidewalks. Don’t attempt to shovel heavy snow. County residents should call their municipalities for availability of a snow removal service.