Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness

As B.C. moves into colder seasonal weather, people are encouraged to prepare for low temperatures, snowfall and storms this winter.

People can plan ahead by making sure homes, vehicles and emergency supplies are ready for winter conditions. PreparedBC’s Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide provides tips to stay safe and warm during extreme weather. These include:

  • preparing a home emergency plan and well-stocked emergency kit;

  • considering home winterizing steps, such as insulation and weather stripping, and taking steps to prevent pipes from freezing;

  • checking that heating systems, smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors are working properly;

  • keeping extra blankets, flashlights and batteries on hand in case of a power outage;

  • checking the Environment and Climate Change Canada website or app for weather alerts and updates;

  • knowing the symptoms of cold-related illnesses and checking on family, friends and neighbours who may be at risk; and

  • wearing several layers of warm clothing and covering exposed skin when going outside.

Additionally, people travelling in B.C. should plan for changing road conditions, allow extra time for travel and check DriveBC’s website for current road updates. People are encouraged to prepare vehicles for winter weather before travel and ensure vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires (mountain snowflake or M+S), which are required on many rural or mountainous B.C. highways from Oct. 1 until April 30. Consider packing a vehicle emergency kit before leaving home.

 

Wear appropriate clothing

When you’re outside during cold conditions, stay warm and protected with seasonally appropriate clothing and gear, such as:

  • A hat and gloves to prevent heat loss

  • Waterproof or winterproof boots with good grip to stay warm and prevent falls

  • Bright colours and reflective clothing so vehicles can see you

  • Clothes in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer

 

Identify a winter weather buddy

If you live alone or experience mobility challenges during cold weather or snowy and icy conditions, make connections to find a winter weather buddy. Your buddy should be someone who can:

  • help with shoveling snow

  • help with running errands if you can’t leave your home

  • check in during cold weather or snowy and icy conditions

 

Winterize your home

A few simple steps can help prepare your home for winter conditions including extreme cold emergencies.

 

Winterize your vehicle

Ensure vehicles are ready for snowy and icy conditions with proper maintenance.

  • Install winter tires between October 1 and April 30. They provide better traction in cold temperatures and in snow, slush, and icy conditions

  • Keep your gas tank at least half full or electric vehicle half charged at all times

  • Visit Shift Into Winter for important road and vehicle safety information

  • Create a vehicle emergency kit with the following winter-specific items:

    • Windshield scraper

    • Shovel

    • Tow rope

    • Seasonal clothing

    • Booster cables

    • Reflective triangle or clothing

    • Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid

    • Sand or non-clumping kitty litter for better tire traction in snow and ice

 

Seek emergency warming centres if needed

In response to severe weather events and extreme cold:

  • Emergency warming centres and general warming spaces may be opened for the public. These are activated at the discretion of First Nations and local governments.

  • Locations may be listed on EmergencyMapBC.ca at the discretion of First Nations and local governments.

  • If a location is not listed on the map in your area, contact your Band office or local government.

 

Extreme cold health effects

Learn about the health effects of extreme cold and how to support those who are at higher risk:

 

Heavy rain can lead to floods, landslides and erosion that can all pose a risk to people and property.

Protect your home from flooding

Start with some basic steps to prevent flood damage:

  • Store valuables and important items on high shelves or in water-tight containers

  • Clean gutters and keep storm drains clear

  • Clear snow at least 1 to 1.5 metres from your foundation in the winter

Protect utilities and appliances:

  • Raise appliances, electrical panels, and sockets

  • Anchor oil tanks and fuel supplies

  • Install a sump pump and backflow valves

  • Use waterproof materials (such as, tile floors, flood-resistant drywall)

  • Protect your gas and electrical systems and appliances with tips from Technical Safety BC

Seal and safeguard your home:

  • Apply sealant around basement windows and doors

  • Install self-closing flood barriers

  • Use flood-resistant exterior doors

  • Improve landscaping and drainage:

  • Enhance landscaping to direct water away from foundation

  • Use permeable paving for driveways and sidewalks

  • Dig trenches (call 1-800-474-6886 before you dig to prevent damage to gas or electricity lines)

 

Protect your home from landslides

Avoid actions that would make slopes unstable. Do not:

  • Undercut a steep bank

  • Build near the top or base of steep slopes

  • Place fill on steep slopes

  • Drain pools or otherwise increase water flow down steep slopes

Learn about whether your area may be at risk of a landslide. Look out for:

  • Evidence of old landslides

  • Steep slopes

  • Drainage channels on steep slopes

  • Coastal cliffs

 

Know who to notify if you recognize these signs. Find a local municipal contact or ask an expert to conduct an inspection, such as a geotechnical engineer.

Regularly inspect your residence, especially after heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, long dry spells, and earthquakes.

 

Know what to expect in an evacuation

If the danger from a flood or landslide is severe enough, you may need to evacuate. Learn what happens during an emergency evacuation, such as the different orders, where to get your information and more.

 

For more information on this topic, see the following websites:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025EMCR0053-001144