If you have time, secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors, and string a rope between your house and any outbuildings you may have to go to during the storm.
If you must go outside:
Be aware that you can become quickly disoriented and may get frostbite and hypothermia.
Wear a hooded jacket, hat, and mittens.
Do not try to walk to another building in low visibility without something to guide you.
If you must travel, do so in daylight and let someone know your plans.
If your vehicle becomes stuck:
Stay in your vehicle. Open the window slightly for fresh air. Run the engine for 10 minutes every half hour unless the exhaust pipe is blocked.
To keep warm, exercise your hands and feet periodically.
If shovelling, avoid overexerting yourself. Overexertion in the bitter cold can cause death as a result of a heart attack or hypothermia from sweating.
Immediately contact the closest police, fire and ambulance services.
Keep track of any symptoms you may have (e.g. breathing, heart rate, dizziness, perspiration, skin tone, etc). Exposure to a chemical substance may require quarantine and the attention of medical authorities.
If you are in your vehicle:
Keep vehicle vents and windows closed.
Do not use vehicle heating or air conditioning.
In all situations:
Monitor radio, television or online for information from authorities. They will tell you whether you need to shelter in place or evacuate.
If you are told to shelter-in-place:
Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
Turn off all fans, heating and A/C systems to avoid drawing in outside air.
As soon as you feel shaking, drop down and crawl under furniture. Cover your head/neck. Hold on to the object you are under to stay covered.
If you are in a wheelchair: lock the wheels and protect the back of your head and neck.
Stay away from windows and shelves with heavy objects.
If you can't go under something strong, crouch or flatten yourself against an interior wall.
If you are in bed: stay there and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are below an object that could fall on you such as a heavy light fixture. In that case, move to the nearest safe area.
If you are in a building: stay inside. Do not run out.
If you are in an elevator: hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can.
If you are at school: get under a desk or table and hold on. Face away from windows.
If you are outside:
Stay away from power lines, buildings and the shore.
If you are in a vehicle: pull over and stay inside. Place a HELP sign in your window if you need assistance.
When the shaking stops:
Be prepared for aftershocks.
Stay calm. Help others if you are able.
Place a HELP sign in your window if you need assistance and call 9-1-1.
Do not light matches or turn on light switches. Any flame or spark can cause an explosion if there are gas leaks.
Exit your home and check for damage. If you suspect the structure is unsafe, or there is a gas leak, evacuate your home.
If you feel it is safe to stay where you are, monitor radio, television and online for weather warnings and instructions from authorities.
If tap water is available, fill bathtub or containers in case supply gets cut off.
Limit phone calls to urgent messages. Keep the lines free for emergency responders.
In cold weather, turn heating back on first, then wait 10 minutes before reconnecting everything else.
Check food supplies. If a freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen for 24-36 hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours.
Monitor radio, television and online for weather warnings and instructions from authorities.
If you are in a high-rise: do not use elevators.
Go to the basement or small interior ground floor room. Take shelter under a table or desk.
Stay away from windows, outside walls, fireplaces and doors.
Avoid using a corded phone and stay away from items that conduct electricity.
Limit phone calls to urgent messages only. Keep the lines free for emergency responders.
If you are outside:
If you are driving, stop your vehicle away from trees or power lines.
If time permits, go to the nearest solid shelter. If not, take cover in a low lying area such as a ditch and protect your head. Beware of flooding and downpours and be prepared to move.
Do not shelter under a bridge as winds can accelerate.
Do not shelter in a mobile home that does not have a solid foundation.
Take your emergency kit, plan, medications, wallet, identification, and cell phone.
Shut off water, electricity and gas if instructed to do so.
Notify your out-of-town contact and leave a note inside indicating when you left and where you are going (if time permits).
Try to take your pets with you (plan an alternate shelter for pets in advance). If you cannot do so, leave a highly-visible sign in the window, a lot of water in a tip-proof container and dry food in timed feeders. Do not tie or cage your pet, as being able to move about will increase its chance of survival.
Lock your home.
Use specified routes and pay attention to information on road closures. Do not take shortcuts. Stay off any identified "disaster response routes" which are for emergency responders only.
Do not cross a flooded area by foot or in a vehicle. If your vehicle stalls in fast-rising waters, abandon it.
Register with a local reception centre in person or by phone.
Do not return home until authorities advise it is safe.
This mobile website provides basic information to help face a variety of emergency situations.
Information on this website is believed to be accurate, but is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.
Every emergency is different, and the best course of action may differ from one situation to another.
Always follow instructions from local authorities and be prepared to adapt your response as the situation develops.
Visit the full Get Prepared website for more information on emergency preparedness and terms and conditions.