This week’s weather across Ontario, especially in the GTA, isn’t “unexpected” so much as classic late-December drama: rain one day, a fast temperature drop the next, and suddenly every walkway becomes a potential audition for Canada’s Funniest Home Videos.With ice, wind, and snow all in the mix (and temperatures dipping quickly after yesterday’s rain), the practical risk right now isn’t just snow accumulation: its ice build-up on steps, driveways, porches, and sidewalks. Here’s what homeowners can do to stay ahead of it, protect the home, and reduce the risk of slips, leaks, and winter-related damage.Extreme cold pre still matters, even in “milder” Southern Ontario.&nbsp;Canada’s winters are notoriously rough, and the Government of Canada maintains guidance on preparing for extreme cold. Even though “extreme” looks different depending on where you live, the fundamentals apply across Ontario, especially when storms can affect power, heating, and plumbing.Some of the most important basics still hold:<ul><li>Regular heating maintenance: Keep your furnace and heating systems in good working order before the cold intensifies.</li><li>Chimney maintenance: If you use a fireplace or wood stove, maintenance matters for both efficiency and safety.</li><li>Seal drafts: Weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows help keep warm air in and cold air out.</li><li>Plan for outages: Backup heat planning is smart in any storm season.</li></ul>If you’re using a generator during a power outage, keep it well away from the home and never operate it indoors or in enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide risk is serious and increases during winter storm season.During deep cold snaps, many homeowners run a small trickle of water to reduce the chance of frozen pipes (especially in older homes or poorly insulated areas).The GTA-specific problem is ice after rain.&nbsp;When rain hits and temperatures drop quickly, water freezes into a thin, stubborn layer, especially on shaded walkways and concrete. The best defense is anti-ice timing.De-icing and traction:1) Apply de-icer before the freeze (best case). If the temperature is about to dip below freezing, get ahead of it: steps, porch, walkway edges, and driveway slope first.2) Re-apply after runoff or plowing. Ice melt gets displaced by slush, plows, and foot traffic. A light second pass prevents refreezing.3) Use sand for traction, especially on top of ice. Sand doesn’t melt ice, but it’s excellent for grip when you need immediate traction (and it’s gentler around pets than many salts, depending on the product used).If you have pets, choose a pet-friendlier ice melt&nbsp;and wipe paws after walks.4) Focus on “high-risk zones.” Top of stairs, curb cuts, side entrances, garage path, and anywhere water pools.Home Depot and other practical homeowner guides often emphasize stocking de-icing materials because regular use is essential to prevent that unwanted “front-step ice rink.” This is one of those weeks where that advice is spot on.<figure class="image"><img src="https://files.rifo.co/CompanySite/213/213_stormpreo.png"></figure>The Canadian Red Cross also emphasizes winter storm safety and home winterization. That includes the basics that prevent bigger issues:<ul><li>Check insulation in vulnerable areas (attic, basement, drafty rooms).</li><li>Inspect door and window seals (weather stripping and caulking).</li><li>Ensure backup heating plans if the power goes out.</li></ul>And for plumbing (especially in GTA homes with older pipe runs or chilly exterior walls):<ul><li>Insulate exposed pipes where possible.</li><li>Open bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.</li><li>Keep indoor temperatures stable during cold snaps, even if you’re trying to be efficient.</li></ul>One of the most overlooked winter risks is what happens after snow and freezing rain collect on the roof. Homeowner maintenance advice often recommends removing excessive snow or ice from the roof to reduce ice and water accumulation, this is largely about preventing ice dams, which can lead to leaks and water damage.Once the storm passes, take a quick look around:<ul><li>Any ice build-up on eaves?</li><li>Icicles forming heavily along gutters (not automatically bad, but a clue)?</li><li>Downspouts blocked by ice or snow?</li><li>Fallen branches or wind damage?</li></ul>If you’re going to clear snow, consider a roof rake from ground level if it’s safe and appropriate. Avoid risky ladder work during icy conditions.Let’s keep ourselves safe while fighting the ice and the snow. The “Heart Attack Snow Day” risks are real.&nbsp;Home safety is only half the story. The other half is you.Regular salting, sanding, and clearing pathways help prevent falls, but when it comes to snow removal, the Canadian Red Cross notes a serious issue: shoveling heavy snow can increase strain on the heart and may raise the risk of cardiac events, especially when people overexert themselves.Their practical warnings are worth repeating:<ul><li>Don’t bend and lift aggressively with straight knees.</li><li>Don’t lift heavy loads over your shoulder.</li><li>Don’t move too fast, work in small increments, take breaks, and pace yourself.</li></ul>In other words: shovel like you’re trying to finish the job and still enjoy your evening. (A radical concept, I know.) Moreover, if you feel the strain, just hire the local service or a team of teens to shovel for you.Finally, the Red Cross encourages keeping up with weather conditions and warnings. For GTA storms, Environment Canada alerts can help you time your de-icing, plan around peak freezing rain periods, and avoid getting caught during the worst wind gusts.This storm isn’t “unexpected”, but ice is always sneaky. With early de-icing, traction planning, pipe protection, and sensible snow removal, GTA homeowners can reduce both property risk and personal injury risk during cold snaps.

Winter Comes Calling: How GTA Homeowners Can Tackle Ice, Wind, and Snow

GTA ice and wind storm prep with RIFO: when to salt or sand, prevent slips, protect pipes, and reduce roof ice-dam risks with quick homeowner tips.

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