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Before the first serious snowfall, check three things: your tires, what’s in your roadside kit and how your household would manage a power outage. Keep this checklist handy when you’re getting ready for winter.
Car: book a winter check. Check cold tire pressure against the vehicle manufacturer’s label and check the tread. Make sure the battery, lights, brakes, heater, defroster and wipers are working. Refill with winter-rated washer fluid and keep a spare jug in the vehicle. Transport Canada recommends winter tires on all four wheels and advises checking tread depth before the season.
Car: pack supplies you can reach. Include a snow brush, ice scraper, shovel, traction material, warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, water and non-perishable food. Add a phone charger and a way to jump-start the vehicle. Before leaving, clear snow and ice from the roof, lights and windows. Check the forecast and road reports and postpone the trip if conditions are unsafe.
Home: prepare for a power outage. Keep flashlights and spare batteries accessible, charge a power bank and have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Set aside drinking water, shelf-stable food, medication and supplies for pets. Make a plan for anyone in the home who relies on powered medical equipment.
Home: check alarms and vents. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and make sure battery backups work. Keep exterior exhaust vents clear of snow and ice. If you use a portable fuel-burning generator, operate it outdoors at least six metres from all homes or buildings and point the exhaust away from windows and doors. Never run it in a garage.
British Columbia. Check the province’s designated routes. Most signed routes require winter tires or chains from Oct. 1 to April 30. On some routes the requirement ends March 31.
Ontario. Check Ontario’s winter driving guidance and Ontario 511 for road conditions and closures before you leave.
Alberta. Consult Alberta’s winter highway guidance and check 511 Alberta before driving.
Quebec. Most motor vehicles registered in Quebec need winter tires from Dec. 1 through March 15. Check the province’s requirements and exceptions if you rent a vehicle or have temporary registration.
Sources: Transport Canada’s vehicle checklist, Transport Canada’s trip and emergency kit guidance, and Government of Canada guidance for winter storms and power outages.
Photo: Myznik Egor / Unsplash
This guide is general information, not legal, immigration, tax or medical advice. For your situation, talk to a licensed professional (RCIC, lawyer, accountant, doctor).
The StudioX News National Desk covers federal government and national stories. Stories are written by the StudioX News newsroom from official sources (governments, police, emergency services, utilities, transit and health authorities) and checked against our editorial standards. To report an error, use the Report an error button on any story.
StudioX News · ISSN 3111-4717
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The StudioX News National Desk covers federal government and national stories. Stories are written by the StudioX News newsroom from official sources (governments, police, emergency services, utilities, transit and health authorities) and checked against our editorial standards. To report an error, use the Report an error button on any story.
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