Check this list for winter safety items you may not have thought of
Canadian winters bring the risk of extreme cold temperatures. These five items will aid your survival if conditions become dangerous.
The Weather Network / MétéoMédia is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
If you live in an area of the country that experiences severe winter weather conditions, it’s important to be prepared. Aside from apparel, stocking up on food, medications, pet supplies, and baby necessities, as well as organizing your home emergency kit, here are five things you should include for the possibility of encountering extreme cold weather situations this winter.
Hothands Heatmax Variety Pack
Amazon.ca
With most customers giving the Hothands Variety Pack a five-star rating, this is an easy addition to your cold-weather preparedness plan. The pack includes 10 hand warmers (five pairs), five body and hand warmers, and six toe warmers (three pairs). Plus, they are incredibly convenient to use. All you need to do is remove them from the package and shake to activate. The warmth will increase within 30 minutes.
Why you need this:
Easy to pack in a cold weather emergency bag along with extra apparel
No electricity or batteries required for activation
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Infrared Electric Heater
Amazon.ca
Stay warm with this infrared patio heater. It’s built to withstand the elements like rain and snow and can also be used in your garage or shed when you need extra heat. Using carbon infrared technology, this heater produces warmth similar to the sun, keeping you cozy with radiant heat. It has ample safety features, remote control and timer, and three heat levels you can adjust to your preferred intensity. For extra convenience, you can mount this heater to a wall or use the tripod stand it comes with.
Why you need this:
Adds warmth to your space when the temperature drops
Built-in safety sensor that will automatically shut off the unit if it’s tipped over
Rated 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
S.O.L. Survival Outdoors Blanket
Amazon.ca
We recommend keeping an emergency blanket like this one in your home and vehicle preparedness kits and there’s no harm in stocking up on a few, like one for each family member. When severe cold weather strikes, this blanket is a meaningful tool in your survival plan whether you’re winter camping, hiking, on the road, or stuck in your house without power. This reliable option is large, lightweight and durable, plus it can reflect 90 per cent of your body heat inward when used correctly.
Why you need this:
Can help save a life when cold weather becomes dangerous
Windproof and waterproof
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
LuminAID Phone Charger Lantern
Amazon.ca
A light source can be a critical element in navigating active weather conditions, especially at night or during a power outage. One of the perks of this lantern is it folds down to a mere one-inch thick cube so you can easily pack it in your at-home emergency kit or store it in a closet. It inflates into a six-inch cube that provides extra bright LED light with a USB port that can charge your smartphone or tablet. Backed by built-in battery power, you can recharge this lantern in up to 14 hours of direct sunlight or up to two hours by USB (cord included). It’s also weatherproof and shatterproof for outdoor emergency situations.
Why you need this:
Compact and portable light source that also provides power
Five brightness settings providing up to 150 lumens
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Snow Joe 18-Inch Strain-Reducing Shovel
Amazon.ca
With nearly 22,000 customer reviews resulting in a stellar rating, this is our favourite shovel at Shop the Weather because the design minimizes strain leading to potential injury. Leveraging the lower hand for lifting helps to reduce back pain by 30 per cent, so you can lift more and throw the snow farther. You’ll want to keep this shovel nearby if the severe cold weather you’re experiencing is accompanied by snow and you need to dig out your driveway, pathway, or car for emergency access.
Why you need this:
Create clear walkways in and out of your house in case of emergency
Ergonomic double grip
Rated 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail image courtesy Aaron Burden/Unsplash
With files from Daniel Martins
