Extreme cold

Extreme cold puts a strain on your home's airtightness, as well as on piping, outdoor gas and water pipes. See these tips for better heat retention in your home when temperatures drop below seasonal norms for several days.

When severe cold weather is imminent

Run water through all water pipes regularly.
Create an emergency preparedness plan for your household and assemble disaster safety kit for your home, car and office.
Prepare for power outages. Have battery operated flashlights and portable lighting ready.
Charge electronics and have backup power sources available.
Know where the water shut off valves are located and how to shut them.
If you are away, maintain heat in the dwelling.
Know the official local and regional information sources and where emergency assembly points are.

Before extreme cold weather

Seal and caulk any exterior openings that may allow hot air to escape: windows, doors, attic and other openings (electrical outlets, vents, etc.)
Seal all cracks and inlets to water and electrical pipes that could expose interior piping to cold air.
Prevent water pipes from freezing; install an insulating sheath on exposed pipes near exterior walls.
Prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows and doors.
Examine the edges of the roof to see if ice barriers form there; make sure there is no heat loss to the attic or loft and clean your gutters thoroughly before winter.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, in addition to regular maintenance during the season, clean the duct every fall.
In the event of a power outage, it could be useful to have access to a backup power source such as a generator for example. Consult a licensed electrician before installing it.

When redoing your roof

Consider installing a moisture, snow and ice waterproofing membrane that will prevent heat loss and the formation of ice barriers.

In case of prolonged absence in winter

Set your thermostats to at least 12°C and above.
Drain all your pipes before leaving and add antifreeze to them. Power outages, common in periods of extreme cold, are the cause of freezing and breaking pipes.
Ask someone to check your home at least every other day to make sure it's not too cold. Check if your insurance contract stipulates a minimum interval for your guarantee to be effective.

For more tips, visit the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and Natural Resources Canada's Keeping the Heat In websites.