Although every area has harsh weather, certain parts of the world are much more difficult to deal with and live in than others. It takes a special kind of getting used to more than a few regions of our planet, usually the ones that are cold. Most people would not think twice about choosing a tropical destination or a mild climate year-round than picking a cold area where winters are long and harsh. And it barely gets any harsher than the beautiful country of Canada.
The Infamous Canadian Cold
Canada is infamous for how rough its winters can get. Although it is the second-largest country on the planet meaning it is full of different weather conditions between the northern, southern, western, eastern, and central areas, it is generally one of those places that are easily come to mind when winter is the topic of conversation. This is a good thing to remember if you ever find yourself within its borders during wintertime.
Preparing for It
Whether you are spending your first winter in Canada or moving to a cooler area than the one you currently call home, you may be and should be nervous about how you can protect yourself and your family. Thankfully, it is easier to keep warm than some think.
In this article, we will talk about this so that you have all the information and knowledge you need if you ever need it. These are the top things everyone should do to protect their property and their loved ones while they are spending the winter in Canada.
Pay Attention to the Weather
The weather does not turn rough without warning meaning you always have time to react. This is necessary in places where the weather can go from good to bad, to worse in mere hours. Instead, everything from weather channels and local radio stations to modern solutions like weather apps will tell you and notify you when the weather is expected to get wild.
Of course, this warning can come between three to ten days before the weather event happens, so you might not always get a great warning. Sometimes, it may even be for something that is to come within a day or two. However, this at least gives you a better chance to prepare or even escape the area.
In order to always be on the weather’s good side, you have to make a habit of caring about the weather. Check the weather channel every day, and make sure to talk to the locals in your daily life. Not only will they be able to warn you, but they can also talk you through how the area has been affected by similar weather in the past. If they have already experienced some extreme conditions, their past experiences could be the difference-maker for you and your family. First-hand advice is always the best.
Ensure Your Pipes Are Safe
Almost all homes in Canada were built with their pipes going through the walls, yet some cheaper builders may try to pass off a building where the pipes are in the roof or closer to the exterior walls. If you notice this in a property you buy or are renting at the moment, there is something you have to do on those nights before everything freezes. It is an easy solution that does wonders and one that can save your home’s pipeline.
Simply open all of your faucets just slightly enough that a steady stream of water starts to come out. This will ensure that they do not freeze during the night when the temperatures reach their lowest point. You do not have to fear the pipes will freeze and cause mayhem in your home once they burst. The family will need water, especially warm water when the winter shows its true colors. Luckily, your pipes and faucets will continue to be operational; throughout the night.
Winterize When Necessary
Winterizing is something that involves the entire property and all of its sides. According to redfin.com, if you grabbed real estate for sale in Whistler, you might notice your neighbors doing things to winterize their homes in the fall. In simple terms, this implies preparing the entire home for the harshest winter conditions that can come. It does not matter if they do come or not. It is crucial that you prepare and winterize anyway.
Winterizing the property means cleaning and checking your gutters, protecting pipes with extra lining if necessary, installing heated walkways if the family can afford it and do it on time, having heating systems inspected, and testing the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It serves as a general inspection of the crucial parts of the home, or rather those that would cause a lot of issues if they were to break down in the midst of harsh Canadian winter.
This can sound like a lot to do, but it is vital for anyone who experiences challenging winter periods every year. It is hard the first couple of times, but then becomes second nature like any other form of caring for the home and the property. Since it ensures that you get to survive the winter comfortably and without any worry, it truly does matter.
Keep Mental Health Up
Winter steals away daylight, which is a great source of vitamin D. Why is this important for this topic? Well, this means that sunlight can usually boost moods and keep us energized so the lack of it leads to seasonal affective disorder. Keep active with your family, have fun together and spend time ensuring everyone is mentally healthy. Doing what makes you happy and what fulfills you is more important when the days get shorter and nights become colder. Although our physical health matters, our brains need to be taken care of if we are to enjoy the beauty of even the strongest of winters.
Winter Does Not Have to Be a Disaster
Many people assume that every winter has to be rough, but that is not true at all. Instead, it is a good idea to plan for the worst to be safe so you will be overprepared and not underprepared. Better safe than sorry, right? Although not every winter will be bad, it is better to do everything you can just to ensure your family’s and property’s safety.
