Winter in Canada can be shocking to many people, especially those that are new to the country or its respective cities. If this is your first winter, there are a few things that you should note and prepare for.
If you have already experienced the weather change up north with a season or two under your belt, these tips can act as reminders of how to prepare for any upcoming winter season.
Winter Gear
The first thing to know about Canadian winters is going to obviously be the cold. For anyone that is used to warmer climates, you’re going to want to prepare yourself from the moment you step out the door. This means gearing up in terms of the right outerwear for the season.
These will include having the right coat or jacket and accessories that will ensure your extremities stay warm. Gloves, scarves, and hats are a must to consider as heat will escape through your hands, neck, and head.
In addition to these necessities, you must also consider various layers to wear beneath. If you have the right coat that is lined with heat-retaining layers, you may not have to pile on as many layers underneath. If you find the cold is still a lot more than you are comfortable with, you can find thermal clothing or sweaters and hoodies to be effective ways of fighting off the cold.
Boots and Footwear
Canadian winters will provide you a variety of weather conditions you need to prepare for. Your footwear is essential to consider during the winter months, with boots being necessary. However, there are many factors to consider when purchasing the right gear for your feet. It may seem straightforward to purchase snow boots, but you need to also consider a few things.
Are you going to be working indoors with boots and need to consider something that allows for breathability? Are you commuting and otherwise traversing outdoors? The winters can bring about slushy or wet conditions, and if that is the case, you need to ensure that your boots are waterproof or, at the very least, water-resistant. Otherwise, you will find yourself in a wet and unpleasant situation for the rest of your day out.
In addition to the right boots or shoes, you also want to consider upgrading your socks to fit the temperature outside. Explore thicker or heat retaining options or moisture-wicking options that can help keep your feet sweat under control. Anyone that has needed to wear a pair of boots will understand how important your footwear is during the winter.
Winter Driving
One of the biggest changes to winter in Canada is the conditions of the road. All-season tires can be functional for the majority of the year, but when you have heavy snowfall days or freezing snow, it is extremely beneficial to have the right tires for winter. If you choose to drive during such icy or snowy conditions without the proper tires, you are putting yourself and others on the road at risk.
Winter tires are basically the equivalent of switching from running shoes to winter boots. You get extra traction and grip that you would be missing out on by not changing your tires. An added benefit of buying winter tires is that you can claim a discount off your auto insurance if you provide the receipts of your tire purchase and usage. This is to ensure that everyone on the road is safe and limit the chances of an accident.
Check Your Heaters and Insulation
The cold will impact your ability and desire to move and function. You’re going to struggle to get out of bed or not wanting to leave a hot shower with the cold air around. If you are feeling particularly cold in your home, you might want to check and perform maintenance on a few things.
Your HVAC systems need regular maintenance to continue operating ideally. You also want to ensure that your home is properly insulated as improper insulation can lead to drafts, which not only allows warm air to escape but also increases your heating bills. It is ideal to check your home in between the warm and cold months to ensure that you are prepared for the winter.
Winter can be a picturesque scene and provide a wonderland to those that are ready for it, but it can also be a dreadful time if you are underprepared. Make sure that you take the time to consider what you need to do before the snow starts falling and you aren’t left scrambling out in the cold.
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