Summer brings outdoor fun but also severe weather like thunderstorms, extreme heat, and wildfires. To protect yourself, monitor Environment Canada alerts, take immediate shelter during storms, practice heat safety, secure your property against high winds, and create a family emergency plan.
Watch the Sky
- Stay Informed: Monitor Environment Canada alerts for storms or tornadoes. A Watch means severe conditions are possible; a Warning means they are happening.
- Get Alerts: Use weather apps and sign up for wireless emergency notifications.
Take Shelter
- During Storms: Immediately move indoors. Head to the basement or an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor.
- Avoid Hazards: Stay away from windows and large, unsupported roofs. If outdoors, abandon water activities.
- Prepare Property: Bring in pets, secure loose outdoor objects, and close all windows and doors.
Heat and Humidity Safety
- Stay Cool: Limit intense outdoor exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and take frequent, shaded breaks.
- Monitor Health: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and ensure pets and livestock have constant access to fresh water.
Inspect & Protect Your Home
- Mitigate Damage: Install surge protectors to protect electronics from lightning.
- Routine Maintenance: Reinforce windows, repair loose roof shingles, and clear dead branches from your property to reduce wildfire and flying debris risks. Clean gutters regularly to prevent heavy rain damage.
Have a Plan
- Establish a family emergency plan, agree on a designated meeting place, and ensure everyone knows how to contact each other.