Prepare for extreme cold events every winter—it’s always a possibility in Ontario. There are numerous steps you can take both before and during this type of event:

• Stay out of the wind or in heated buildings as much as possible (your home, friend or family’s place, public buildings such as malls, libraries, etc)
• Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Dress appropriately when going outside (multiple layers of loose fitting clothes, toques, mittens, etc) and cover up all exposed skin since, in extreme cold, frostbite can occur within minutes.
• Avoid strenuous exercise while out in the cold as much as possible.
• Know the weather forecast, and avoid travelling when extreme weather is predicted.

 At Home:

• Have alternate means of heating with sufficient fuel, such as a wood or propane furnace, or a kerosene heater. Ensure alternative source of heat is approved for indoor use.
• Generator with several days’ worth of fuel (Caution: generators produce toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. These should only be used outdoors where fumes may be vented safely.)
• Electric space heaters with automatic shut-off and non-glowing elements (to reduce the risk of fire)
• Blankets

In the Car:

• Travel with a mobile phone
• Blankets and other warm clothing (gloves, toques, jacket) - never rely on a car for heat since it may break down
• First aid kit
• Signalling device, such as road flares
• Booster cables
• Toolkit
• Bag of sand (to pour on ice or snow for added traction)
• Tow rope
• Collapsible shovel
• Flash light and spare batteries
• Candles and matches
• Brightly coloured clothes
• Container of water and high energy bars
• Windshield scraper

Cold Guide (US Department of Health and Human Services)