Welcome to Winter! Part 2: How to be Winter Safe
Now that you know of all the great things that can be done during the winter season in Toronto, it’s important to understand some of the risks and dangers of colder weather.
With temperatures in Canada dropping, there are a few tips that are important to know in order to have a fun and safe winter.
Driving
With all the snow and ice on the roads, car maintenance and safe driving become crucial for safety reasons.
Drivers are encouraged to prepare their vehicles by getting a winter-ready check-up. It’s always advised to bring your vehicle into an automotive shop to get a complete check to the car including battery, ignition system, lights, brakes, and tires in case anything may need replacing.
[Photo Credit: Ontario Ministry of Transportation]
This also means having proper snow tires to grip the icy roads, having sufficient windshield washer fluid and proper brushes to clear off any ice and snow from obstructed views are important to have ready.
Another safety tip for drivers to consider is having a winter survival kit ready, in the car, for any unpredicted situations. Find items in a recommended kit here.
[Photo Credit: Ontario Ministry of Transportation]
Lastly, with winter driving it’s always safest to be alert and drive carefully!
Home
Another factor to consider in the winter is home maintenance. With colder temperatures outside, it’s important to eliminate drafts coming into the home by insulating your windows and doors. In the average home, heat can escape through drafts and openings, so proper insulation and weatherproofing techniques can help save money and protect the home from the cold.
Toronto Public Library also has many recommended websites for home maintenance, including insulation, weather proofing, and home care.
Check out some of the books that your library has on weatherproofing and making your home warm, dry, and safe from the elements of winter. For even more books, visit the Toronto Public Library catalogue!
Health
Finally, it’s important to understand that with the winter season, temperatures will drop to averages of -8 degrees Celsius with possible extreme cold alerts of -15 degrees Celsius or lower. Extreme weather conditions, such as ice storms, heavy snow, freezing rain, or blizzards may also be forecasted, so it’s always a good habit to check the local weather reports before going out.
This also means that winter season is “cold and flu season,” the time of year when people are prone to developing cold and influenza illnesses. To find out how to treat these symptoms, see Body and Health Canada’s Fighting Cold and Flu Season or click into one of our Health databases with your library card.
You can also browse through the many books that the library offers to keep you and your family healthy all year long.
Click onto Toronto Public Library's Health and Wellness Blog to find out more about Flu season.
There are many things you can do to have an enjoyable and safe winter season in Canada. Visit your local library for a warm and relaxing day or spend a day outside and use extra precaution when the weather is cold!
Don't forget to check out part 1 of our blog in the same series: Welcome to Winter! Part 1: How to Fight the Winter Blues
What's one tip you would share to someone new to Canada's winter season?
14 thoughts on “Welcome to Winter! Part 2: How to be Winter Safe”
My tip would be to make sure you turn the heat on!
A few years ago, in an attempt to save money, I avoided turning all my heaters on and the water pipes burst because it was just too cold! What a disaster.
Yes, insulating the windows and doors can definitely keep your utility bills from skyrocketing. But another option is to invest on good windows, such as the double glazed type. This window option can prevent heat from entering the house, which is really valuable during summer. It can also minimize loss of indoor heat during winter.
Home maintenance plays a big role in making your home a great place during winters and summers. Attic inspection will help you identify the problems that need to be fixed, like molds around the vents, warped wood, or stained insulation. By identifying the areas that need attention, you’ll be able to avoid further damages when bad weather comes along.
In addition, installing weatherstrip on doors and windows can help improve insulation. Good window and door weatherstripping can help lower your electric bills for cooling in the summer and heating costs in the winter, making it efficient all year long. Just make sure to inspect it every now and then, and replace any portions if you think it is needed.
Great advice, Nelson! Home maintenance is a must and a lot of new home owners may not realize how much they could save by just spending a little time doing this!
Thank you for your advice
Excellent tip! And weatherstripping is not expensive at all! Such a small thing to do to save you so much in the long run.
Thank you for your advice, Cody!
Driving around the snow would require extreme protection from slippery and wetness. Flash frost around the yard would be so hazardous.
Good point, which is why winter tires are important to look into if you drive. These tires are made for snow and ice.
Thanks for your advice!
I am as glad as you are when I reread your blog. I say reread because I was not able to grasp the meaning of the content at my first reading. All the memories that I had during the last winter was all coming back to me when I read yours. Mine was not not never the most-desired trip ever. It was horrifying!
Hi Edna,
Thank you for your comment. I’m glad your found our blog helpful! Don’t forget to have a look at Part 1 and 3 of the Winter series.
Hope you have a happy and safe winter!
Debby
I would like to advice tyres deteriorate over time and could become unsafe, even if the amount of tread is well within legal limits. I see many cars on the roads with one or more malfunctioning light, so even some basic stuff is not dealt with expert drivers.
Hello,
Thank you for your comment. This is also very true. Sometimes, people overlook the “little” things, thinking that they won’t make a difference, but proper tires, lighting, functioning wipers, the right washer fluid, etc. are very important to consider for everyone’s safety during the winter season.
Thank you for your reminder!
Debby
This is quite a comprehensive winter preparation guide, but I would like to focus on prepping up the car for winter. Yes, checking those car components is necessary to ensure that you’ll be able to drive safely on snow-covered roads. It’s also best to get a new set of tires if the ones you have are already slightly worn out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
Hi Michelina!
That is indeed right. You don’t know how important some things can be until it’s too late to do anything!
This past week, during the snow storm that Southern Ontario received, I was out driving with no snow tires on. There was no traction at all and my car slid from side to side on the snow-covered roads, very dangerous! But it has prompted me to change my all-season tires to snow tires immediately, even though we only have a few weeks left!
Better safe than sorry!
Thanks for your comment and I hope no one has to experience that kind of danger ever.
Debby