• Get to know your neighbours, they can be a reliable and immediate source of help during an emergency. Check out the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program for more information. 
• Create an emergency preparedness plan 
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit and add the following cold weather supplies: 
  • Salt or use of environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways 
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment 
  • Sufficient heating fuel in case you are cut off from regular fuel sources 
  • Adequate clothing and blankets for warmth 
• Winterize your home: 
  • Weather strip doors and windows 
  • Insulate walls and attics 
  • Clear rain gutters 
  • Inspect your chimney or flue 
• Prepare your vehicle and pack a winter survival kit. Your kit should include:
  • Water, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies 
  • Windshield scraper and snow brush 
  • Extra windshield washer fluid 
  • Spare tire, wheel wrench and jack 
  • Shovel and traction mat, sand or kitty litter 
  • Flashlight and extra batteries 
  • Battery jumper cables 
  • Extra clothing and footwear 
  • Flares and matches or lighter 
  • Fuel line antifreeze 
  • Tire chains and gloves 
• Consider installing a non-electric standby stove or heater. Vent the stove or heater with the type of chimney flue specified. Never connect two heating units to the same chimney flue at the same time. 
• Before considering the use of an emergency generator during a power outage, check with furnace, appliance and lighting fixture dealers or manufacturers regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures. 
• Follow Weather Alerts (Environment and Climate Change Canada) 

• Stay indoors during the storm, if possible 
• Use a battery-operated radio to listen to your local station for warnings, advice and instructions 
• Bring pets inside and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water 
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways, if you must go outside 
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow 
• Wear winter clothing and keep dry, change out wet clothing as soon as possible 
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors or in garages. They give off carbon monoxide and because you can't smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening 
• For information on what to do during a power outage visit BC Hydro 
• Drive only when it is absolutely necessary, and make sure to let someone know your destination, route, and expected arrival 
• Monitor Drive BC and plan your route. Road condition concerns can be directed to Mainroad Contracting at 1-877-215-6006. For more information, visit Mainroad's winter operations FAQ 
• Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, hood and the roof
• Keep your gas tank topped up and have a charged cellphone with you. If you get stuck in a storm, don’t panic 
• Avoid overexertion and exposure 
• Stay in your vehicle and open your window slightly to make sure you have a supply of fresh air 
• Use a survival candle for heat 
• Set out a warning light or flares. Frostbite can occur when the skin and body tissue just beneath it freezes 
• Watch for signs of frostbite, such as loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities (fingers, toes, ears, face, tip of the nose) 
• Hypothermia can occur when body temperature is dangerously low 
• Signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion 
• Follow Weather Alerts (Environment and Climate Change Canada) 

• Avoid turning on your heating system, electronic devices or appliances immediately after a power outage. This will give the electrical system a chance to stabilize
• Reset your clocks, automatic timers, and alarms
• Know how to handle refrigerated and frozen food after an outage (Government of Canada)
• Re-stock any supplies you used in your emergency kit   

The definition of extreme cold varies in different parts of the country due to local climate. Whenever temperatures drop dramatically below normal, staying warm and safe can become challenging. In general, your risk of health effects like windburn and frostbite increases at wind chill values below -27. 

Learn more: Government of Canada - Extreme Cold

Anyone who isn't dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia, especially if you are:

• Homeless 
• Outdoor workers
• Living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
• Have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and diseases affecting the blood vessels 
• Taking certain medications including beta-blockers winter sport enthusiasts 
• Infants (under 1 year)
• Seniors (65 years or older) 

Learn more: Government of Canada - Extreme Cold 

Learn more about the following extreme cold health risks: 

• Windburn
• Frostbite
• Hypothermia 

Source: Government of Canada - Extreme Cold  

Learn more about treating the following extreme cold conditions:

• Windburn
• Frostbite 
• Hypothermia 

Source: Government of Canada - Extreme Cold  

Learn more about how to reduce your risks:  

• Wearing appropriate clothing
• Protecting yourself
• Knowing the weather conditions
• Finding shelter and keeping moving
• Winterizing your home
• Understanding your health risks 

Source: Government of Canada - Extreme Cold