Cold Warning and Winter Safety Tips

Check Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website for information on your local forecast and weather alerts, or download their mobile app, WeatherCAN, which provides weather alert notifications in your area, as well as in your saved locations. Other ways to stay updated during a storm or emergency include:

• Listen to Markham’s local radio station 105.9 The Region.

• Follow the City of Markham on Facebook and Twitter.

· Call our Contact Centre for live updates during an emergency or severe weather conditions at 905.477.5530.

• Winter Operations Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

• Avoid overexertion when shovelling snow. If you must shovel, make sure you take frequent breaks so you aren’t over-stressing your body. Learn how to be heart smart in the Winter.

• Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Wear mittens and a hat (preferably one that covers your ears).

• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

• While sneakers provide good grip on dry pavement, they don’t on snow-covered ground. Be Winter-ready with the right footwear. Wear boots that have a wide tread, low heel, non-skid soles and consider using walking poles for more balance.

• It is important to regularly check for frostbite. Symptoms may include numbness or white areas on your face and extremities (ears, nose, cheeks, hands and feet in particular).

• Stay safe and stay off the ice. Moving water in Markham’s ponds, stormwater ponds and waterways causes thin ice that can crack. Learn how to skate safely and find outdoor skating rinks near you at markham.ca/skating.

• If you are driving, remember vehicle braking distance increases during Winter conditions. Reduce your speed, avoid distractions and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. Winter tires are also recommended.

• Call or visit vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated seniors and ensure they have proper supplies to stay warm and dry.

• Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases blood flow, making you feel warm even though you are losing body heat.

• Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Consider rescheduling or limiting time outdoors, especially if it is windy.

• Winter can be unpredictable. Are you ready? You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for 72 hours (3 days). A basic emergency preparedness kit will help you do that. Learn more.

• Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle, which includes a cell phone charger, flashlight, blankets and sand bags, snacks, shovel, booster cables, and towing company numbers.

• Avoid on-street parking. Between November 15 and April 15, and only when snow clearing operations are not in effect, vehicles may only be parked on the odd numbered side of city streets, unless posted signs indicate otherwise.

• Give plow operators room to perform their duties. Stay back at least 25 metres (80 feet) from snow plows, sanders and other equipment so the operator can see you. Visibility may be limited.

• Be mindful of reduced visibility caused by tall snow banks and drifting snow, and exercise caution when you are outside.

• Keep kids and pets away from playing too close to the road, especially during plowing operations.
  

• Do not push snow from your property back onto the street. It is illegal and obstructs the work our operators do.

• If you’re able to, help shovel the driveway and windrow of your elderly neighbour or those in need. Let’s all remember to be kind to each other and patient as City Operations continues to clear our road network. Track the status of our plows using the Winter Maintenance App at markham.ca/winter.
  

• Remove plowed snow at the end of your driveway (windrow) and pile it on the right side of your driveway. Snow plow operators must push snow to the curb or shoulder, which can possibly cover recently shoveled driveways.

• Keep children off snow banks to prevent them from slipping into the path of vehicles and equipment. Do not let children tunnel in snow banks. The snow can collapse or be pushed back by snow plows.

• If you’re going to sled or toboggan, remember to stay away from roads, rivers, railway tracks and parking lots. Make sure hills have a gentle slope and long run-off area.
  

• Remove snow from fire hydrants and make sure catch basins are clear near your property.

• If the weather is bad, stay indoors. If you must go outside, consider leaving your car at home. Catch a bus or share a ride. If you must drive, reduce driving speeds and drive according to road and weather conditions.

• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you absolutely need to walk on the street, walk facing traffic and as close to the road-side as you can. Sidewalk plowing begins when snow reaches 5 cm deep. Track the status of plows using the Winter Maintenance App at markham.ca/winter.
  

• Make sure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires, is maintained and equipped for winter conditions with windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze, blanket, etc.

• Prevent frozen pipes – keep your home above 15 degrees Celsius, check insulation, caulk and seal openings near your water pipes or install pipe sleeves. Learn more about preparing your home’s pipes for Winter.

• When it’s garbage and recycling collection day, please make sure the area is accessible and clear of snow and ice at the curbside.
  

• Learn how Markham manages snow removal and track the status of our snow plows.
  

•  Ice from freezing rain accumulates on branches, power lines and buildings. If you must go outside when a significant amount of ice has accumulated, pay attention to branches or wires that could break due to the weight of the ice and fall on you.

• Never approach power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you could be electrocuted. Stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet) from wires or anything in contact with them.

• When freezing rain is forecast, avoid driving if possible. After freezing rain ends wait several hours so that road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads.

• Cover exposed skin as frostbite can develop within minutes especially with increased wind chill. Symptoms may include numbness or white areas on your face and extremities (ears, nose, cheeks, hands and feet in particular).

• Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer.

• Wear warm socks, mittens, a hat and scarf and be sure to cover your nose.

• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

• When the temperature drops below freezing, pets should not be left outside for extended periods of time. Cats, short-haired dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable in extreme cold temperatures.

• Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.

• Never leave your cat or dog alone in a car during extreme cold weather. Cars hold in the cold, acting like refrigerators, which could cause serious harm.

• The Regional Municipality of York’s 2023 to 2024 Cold Weather Response Plan, includes safe, temporary shelter and supports for residents with no safe accommodation options.

• Visit york.ca/ExtremeCold for more information and tips on how to stay safe during cold weather.

• Visit york.ca/EmergencyHousing for information on temporary housing and wraparound supports.

Driving in Winter requires extra care, even in normal Winter conditions. Learn more about safe winter driving.

Please contact the City of Markham Contact Centre at 905.477.5530, or by email at customerservice@markham.ca

• York Region Emergency Housing Central Intake Line – 1.877.464.9675 extension 76140 (phone is answered 24/7).

• City of Markham Emergency Preparedness – Make a Plan, Get an Emergency Kit, Practice it

• Environment Canada – Local Weather Forecast

• Environment Canada – Public Weather Alerts for Ontario - South

• York Region – Extreme Cold

• Health Canada – Extreme Cold

• City of Markham Winter Road Services

• Winter Operations Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)