Winter Safety

1. Be Ready for Extreme Winter Weather

Winter storms are common in Muskoka and can make it hard or unsafe to leave your home. Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds can cause power outages, blocked roads, and communication interruptions, especially for water-access or rural properties.

Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours:

• Keep food, water, and medications on hand.

• Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit with essentials.

• Keep a battery-powered radio or charged phone to hear updates.

• Make a self-rescue plan and learn about local emergency transportation options.

• If you’re in a remote area, check on neighbours or let someone know your situation.

• For longer outages, consider moving temporarily to a friend or neighbours home or a local warming centre.

For more details on what to include in your kit, visit the Ontario Ministry of Emergency Preparedness website.

2. Keep Roads and Driveways Clear for Emergency Access

During the winter months, access to seasonal homes or cottages can be limited especially on private roads or long driveways that aren’t maintained by the Township or District.

To make sure emergency responders can reach you quickly:

• Plow and widen driveways so fire trucks and ambulances can get through.

• Sand or salt surfaces to prevent slippery conditions.

• Remove snow drifts during windy weather.

• Keep your 911 address sign visible at all times.

Remember: emergency vehicles need more space than regular cars, and poor access can delay help.

3. Use Caution with Heating and Fuel Equipment

Stay warm safely this winter. If you heat your home with wood, propane, natural gas, or other fuels, take these precautions:

• Have fireplaces, wood stoves, and chimneys inspected and cleaned every year.

• Store ashes outdoors in a metal container, away from the house.

• Keep furnace and water heater vents clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

• Only use fuel-fired heaters in well-ventilated spaces.

• Never run generators indoors even in garages or sheds.

Make sure your home is protected with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors:

• Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed.

• Install CO alarms outside every sleeping area if you have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

• Contact Muskoka Lakes Fire Department if you have questions about your alarms.

For more fire safety information, visit the Home Fire Safety webpage or view Winter Safety Tips provided by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.  

4. Stay Connected

Muskoka winters can be challenging, and a quick check-in can make a big difference.

• Call or message neighbours to see if they have heat, power, or need anything.

• Share updates or supplies if it’s safe to do so.

• Check in more often with anyone who’s elderly, lives alone, or has mobility challenges.

• Stay connected through group chats or phone lists in your area.

• If you’re concerned and can’t reach someone, contact 911 for a wellness check.