My First Snowstorm Was a Blizzard: A London Newcomer's Guide to Winter Safety
How to Navigate Your First Canadian Winter
"My first snowstorm was a blizzard," says Maria, who moved to London from Manila in December 2022. "I looked out my window and couldn't see anything but white. At first, I was scared - we never had weather like this in the Philippines."
Many newcomers to London know Maria's story. The city's winters, with temperatures sometimes dropping below -30°C and intense lake effect snow storms like the one we’ve seen just this week, can be surprising for people from warmer climates. But London's community spirit turns these challenging moments into chances to connect and learn.
Winter Safety Tips
Here are some valuable tips for staying safe in winter:
Dress Smart, Stay Warm:
Wear three layers: A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer
Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, and scarf
Buy winter boots with good grip to prevent falls
Home Safety:
Keep emergency supplies: flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and extra blankets. Snowstorms can disrupt power, and if you have electric heating, the temperature can drop for a while before it returns.
Clear snow from walkways and steps.
Watch for ice forming on steps and sidewalks. Hardware stores sell salt or sand to make these areas safe.
Getting Around:
Check weather forecasts before going out. You may want to amend plans if the government issues a winter storm warning. It doesn’t take long for enough snow to fall to leave you stranded.
Give yourself extra travel time.
Use public transit when roads are bad. It lowers congestion on treacherous roads if you drive, and you can avoid icy sidewalks if on foot.
Walk slowly and carefully on icy surfaces, almost like a penguin waddling.
Where to Get Help
London offers many free services to help during winter:
Numbers:
Call 211 for information about community services
Call 911 for urgent emergencies
Information:
london.ca/snow for information on city snow removal, closures and cancellations, warming centres, or to report unplowed or slippery conditions.
Canada’s official page on winter weather safety.
Want to learn more about winter safety or connect with other newcomers? Visit london.ca/snow or contact LMLIP at info@lmlip.ca. We're here to help make London feel like home - no matter the weather.