Prepare for an ice storm
The 1998 Great Ice Storm hit Quebec, Eastern Ontario and parts of the Maritimes with up to 100 mm of freezing rain over five days. 4 million people lost power — some for up to 33 days. 35 deaths. $5.4 billion in damages (in 1998 CAD). The 2013 Toronto ice storm cut power to 300,000 in -10°C cold over Christmas. Ice storms are now annual events from October to April.
Households that came through 1998 best had three things: a non-electric heating source (wood stove, propane heater with CO detector), a 72-hour kit by the door, and at least 4 L of water per person per day stored in food-grade containers. Public Safety Canada recommends 72-hour autonomy minimum; Quebec experience shows 7-14 days is more realistic in major events.
What to do before, during and after an ice storm
Before: trim tree branches near power lines (utility responsibility but check). Test backup heat source (wood stove, propane heater) and have 1 working CO detector per floor — CO poisoning kills more in ice storms than the cold itself. Fill the bathtub when ice storm warning is issued (water pumps fail when power dies). Charge all devices and powerbanks.
During: never use BBQ, generator or gas stove indoors — CO is silent and odourless. Keep one room insulated and heated; close off other rooms. Drink hot fluids regularly (not coffee/alcohol). Layer clothing, avoid sweating. If pipes freeze, open all taps slightly to relieve pressure.
After: assume downed power lines are live — stay 10 m away and call 911 or utility emergency. Throw out food that warmed above 4°C for more than 4 h. Watch for ice falling from roofs and trees for 24-48 h after storm. See a doctor for any unexplained headache, nausea or confusion — could be late CO exposure.