Winter Storms and High Winds

In British Columbia, winter weather can mean high winds causing power failures or flooding. Here are some steps you can take to prevent impacts to you, your home and neighbours: 

  • Guard your home from falling branches by pruning dead branches and removing dead trees on your property.
  • Secure belongings and objects that might blow away in a storm, including garbage cans and lawn furniture.
  • In the event of a high wind warning, be watchful for fallen trees, and never touch hanging or downed power lines.
  • Do not blow leaves onto City streets, as that increases the flooding risk.
  • Clear gutters and catch basins of leaves and debris.
  • Clear ditches and culverts.
  • Shut off outside water (in preparation of freezing temperatures) to protect plumbing and built-in sprinkler systems and to prevent flooding.
  • Clean foundation drains and sumps.
  • Repair broken or damaged pipes.
  • Have an emergency kit with flashlights and batteries in case of power failure.