Preparation is protection
These days, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, winter storms, and severe winds are much less predictable and much more damaging than ever before. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how ready we are for it.
Being prepared is about reducing risk, protecting what you’ve worked hard for and feeling ready for whatever comes next.
Extreme weather in Ontario
Federal data shows that Canada averages about a dozen natural disasters a year, with more expected as climate change triggers more extreme weather.
Be proactive
Research hazards in your immediate area and conduct a risk assessment using Government of Canada's Get Prepared website.
Develop an emergency plan tailored to your home and family. Refresh the plan twice a year, once in early winter and again in early summer, so you know what to do in every season.
Take the CAA Safer Homes flooding quiz
Ready to test your knowledge about Ontario floods and floodproofing your home? Answer the following questions. CAA Members who score 80 per cent or more will win a $10 e-gift card1 – redeemable at over 200 online retailers!
Additional resources
Floods
As flooding is the most common natural disaster in rural communities, putting well guards around your basement windows is a first line of defense.
Consider installing both a sump pump to prevent water from pooling in your basement and a backflow valve to prevent water from entering your house. If flooding is imminent, move your furniture, valuables and family keepsakes above ground level.
Tornados and derechos
Tornadoes and derechos have caused millions of dollars in damage in North and East Ontario in recent years.
If one hits and you're at home, take refuge in the basement, or if you don't have one, a small ground-floor room, like a bathroom. For those in an apartment or office building, seek shelter in an inner hallway or a low-floor room.
Winter storms
Freezing rain, heavy snowfalls and wild winds in winter can impact the power grid. They can topple trees and power lines, leading to blackouts that can last days or even weeks. If a severe storm is in the forecast, refresh your emergency kit, generator, or battery pack, if you have one. Venture outside only if you have to.
Wildfires
Devastating blazes are expected to become more common as Canada’s climate changes.
Remove fallen branches, dried leaves and other potential fire hazards for several meters around your home. To reduce the risk of airborne embers entering your home, close all doors and windows and cover your air vents. Turn on any sprinklers installed on your roof, shut off the natural gas if you have it, and move propane barbecues away from your house.
Extreme heat
Heatwaves are events that last two or more days and have temperatures above 29°C.
Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, leading to hospitalization. It can also be a major strain on the power grid as demand for ice and air conditioning increases. In heatwaves, it’s critical to protect the young and the elderly, to stay hydrated, use alternative cooling methods and be ready for outages.
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CAA North & East Ontario makes no assertions, guarantees, or representations regarding the efficacy, reliability, completeness, outcomes, or results of any information, recommendations, or examples included. Use of this information is at the reader’s own discretion and risk. Information herein is not intended to replace professional advice or to replace professional, legal, financial, or technical advice.
1. A $10 e-gift card will be delivered within 10 working days to the email address provided during the online quiz submission. Limit of one (1) entry per person and per household will be permitted. Any attempt to submit more than one (1) entry shall void all entries, and such person(s) shall be disqualified from getting the e-gift card. Entries received by 11:59 p.m. EST on May 31, 2026 or first 1000 entires whichever is first, will be eligible to get the e-gift card. Terms and Conditions apply. For entry options and complete rules visit https://caaneo.ca/caa-safer-homes-quiz-ts-and-cs/ No Purchase required.