In Canada, we wear our winters like a badge of honour. But we also love to complain about them. And for good reason: Severe weather can cause a lot of damage to both person and property. According to a Globe & Mail report, severe weather caused about $3.1 billion in insured damage in Canada in 2022, the third-worst year on record.
Key takeaways:
- Winter weather in Canada includes diverse hazards like blizzards, freezing rain, ice fog and extreme cold, all of which can cause significant damage and danger
- Regular home maintenance, such as inspecting roofs, insulating pipes and servicing heating systems, can prevent damage from snow and ice accumulation and other winter-related issues
- Winterize your car with snow tires, check the battery and brakes and carry an emergency kit to stay safe on icy and snow-covered roads
Winter weather: The hazards go beyond snow
Across Canada, we see everything from light fluffy flakes to heavy, wet snow. It's important to recognize the difference because assessing snow load, or the weight of the snow, depends not just on the depth of snow accumulation but also on the type of snow.
Cold winter hazards include:
- Blizzard: Strong winds and heavy snow cause low visibility, leading to disorientation and dangerous travel conditions
- Freezing rain, freezing drizzle and ice pellets: Precipitation that freezes on contact with surfaces, creating hazardous driving and walking conditions and potentially causing power outages due to ice-coated utility lines
- Ice fog: Visibility is reduced due to suspended ice crystals at very cold temperatures, posing significant hazards for driving
- Rain: Winter rain can lead to flooding when falling on snowpack or frozen ground
- Snow: Heavy snowfall varies by region, reducing visibility, creating hazardous road conditions and potentially causing power outages and structural damage from snowdrifts and snow plow deposits
- Wind chill and cold temperatures: The combined effect of wind and cold temperatures can cause rapid frostbite and hypothermia, requiring protective measures to stay warm outdoors
- Smog: Winter smog, composed of fine particles from wood smoke, traffic and road salt, poses health risks
- Winter storm: Large-scale extratropical cyclones bring strong winds, heavy snowfall, freezing rain and extreme cold
Potential damage and danger resulting from winter weather hazards
Winter weather in Canada poses several hazards to both property and individuals. The good news is that with a little bit of winter preparation, common sense decision-making and the right coverage, you can put yourself in the best position to handle whatever seasonal weather gets thrown at you.
To prepare, it’s important to understand the risks that extremely cold temperatures pose to persons and property:
Snow and ice accumulation
Snow and ice accumulation can cause property damage and increase the risk of personal injury.
- Heavy snow can lead to property damage in the form of roof collapses, especially in older buildings or those not designed to handle significant snow loads
- Ice accumulation can damage gutters, eaves and roofs and cause tree branches to break and fall on property
- Icy sidewalks and driveways increase the risk of slips and falls, leading to potential personal injury claims
Frozen pipes
Extreme cold can cause water pipes to freeze and burst, resulting in significant water damage to homes and buildings. This can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Frozen pipes can also result in temporary closures and loss of income for businesses.
Power outages
Ice storms and heavy snow can bring down power lines, leading to extended power outages. Power outages (especially those that last longer than a few hours) can also lead to a lot of inconvenience:
- Food spoilage due to the impact on refrigerators and freezers
- Heating systems may fail, leading to frozen pipes and subsequent water damage
- Lack of heat and electricity can create dangerous living conditions, potentially leading to claims for temporary housing and other living expenses
Vehicle accidents
Icy and snow-covered roads significantly increase the likelihood of vehicle accidents, leading to numerous auto insurance claims for repairs. These accidents may also result in bodily injury claims, increasing medical expenses and potential liability issues.
Fire hazards
Increased use of heating systems, space heaters and fireplaces during winter months can lead to a higher incidence of house fires. Fires can cause severe injuries or fatalities, leading to extensive personal injury claims and possible liability for renters, landlords or property owners.
Structural damage
The freeze-thaw cycle can cause significant structural damage to buildings, such as cracks in foundations and walls. These damages often lead to structural repairs and may sometimes involve extensive investigations to determine the cause.
Flooding
Rapid snowmelt or ice jams in rivers and streams can cause flooding, leading to extensive water damage in homes and businesses. Flooding can also cause personal hardship, displacing residents and requiring temporary accommodations, leading to additional claims for living expenses.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Increased use of fuel-burning appliances during winter increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can result in serious health risks.
Measures to protect your property and yourself in winter
As the saying goes, prevention is the best cure. While Mother Nature can be a formidable opponent, there are some steps you can take to help ensure you withstand many of the things winter will throw at you, your family, your property and your vehicle.
Home maintenance and preparation
Plan ahead by maintaining your property year-round. Consult licensed professionals for advice on home maintenance, upgrades and energy efficiency. Some areas to consider focusing on include:
- Roof and gutters: Regularly inspect the roof for damage and repair any loose or missing shingles. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent ice dams.
- Insulation: To prevent freezing, insulation is often recommended for exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics and garages.
- Seal gaps: Have any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and foundations sealed to keep cold air out and warm air in, reducing the risk of frozen pipes and improving energy efficiency.
- Service your heating system regularly: Have your heating system inspected and serviced annually by a professional to ensure it operates efficiently and safely.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors: Place carbon monoxide detectors near all sleeping areas and on every level of the home to detect leaks from heating systems.
- Clear pathways: Regularly clear snow and ice from driveways, sidewalks and steps to prevent slips and falls. Use salt or sand to improve traction.
- Backup power: Consider installing a generator for backup power to keep essential systems running during outages.
Car maintenance and winter driving
Regular car maintenance is key for year-round road safety. A qualified mechanic or car maintenance specialist will advise you on the specific needs of your vehicle, which may include:
- Winter tires: Install winter tires for better traction on snow and ice. Also check tire pressure regularly, as cold temperatures can cause it to drop.
- Brake check: Ensure brakes are in good condition and responsive, as stopping distances can be longer on icy roads.
- Battery health: Test the car battery and replace it if it's weak, as cold weather can reduce its efficiency. If your vehicle is an EV, battery health monitoring and the battery cooling system should be reviewed.
- Fluids: Check and top up all essential fluids, including antifreeze, windshield washer fluid (rated for low temperatures) and oil.
- Emergency car kit: Carry an emergency kit in the car that includes items like a blanket, ice scraper, shovel, flashlight, jumper cables, first aid supplies and non-perishable snacks.
- Regular service: Have a professional perform a winter-specific maintenance check, focusing on the heating system, defroster and wiper blades.
- Software updates: For newer vehicles, particularly EVs, regularly update the vehicle’s software and firmware.
- Slow and steady: Drive slowly and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns to reduce the risk of skidding.
- Stay informed: Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out. If conditions are hazardous, consider postponing non-essential travel.
Personal safety and emergency preparedness
Don’t forget to look after yourself and your family too, with:
- Proper footwear and clothing: To protect against cold temperatures and cold stress, wear layered clothing, including thermal wear, a warm coat, hat, gloves and insulated waterproof boots.
- Reflective gear or personal protective equipment: To improve visibility when walking or exercising outside in low-light conditions, wear reflective clothing or accessories.
- Stock supplies: Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food and bottled water in case of power outages.
- Ask for help and exercise caution: Whether you’re shoveling snow, hanging holiday lights or doing any other activity, don’t be shy to ask for help! Friends, neighbours, family and trusted professionals are just a phone call away.
- Emergency contacts: Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends and local services like roadside assistance and emergency shelters.
Choose an insurance company that gives you peace of mind
Winter should be a season of fireside evenings, hot drinks and cozy company. And, as we’ve seen, a little preparation can help ensure you’re ready for all kinds of weather conditions.
Part of that preparation should be taking some time to review your home insurance policy and your auto insurance policy to ensure you fully understand your coverage. Your policies should offer adequate protection against winter hazards. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!
