What Should Be in Your Winter Emergency Kit for Storm Days?

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

A bad storm in London, Ontario can knock out power or make roads impassable for a while, and having a basic emergency kit ready at home makes those stretches much easier to manage.

A reliable flashlight with extra batteries, or a hand-crank version that doesn't rely on batteries at all, should be within easy reach. Candles work in a pinch but carry a fire risk if left unattended, so a flashlight is the safer primary option.

Warmth matters most if the power goes out. Extra blankets, warm layers, and if possible a battery-powered or backup heat source help a household stay comfortable and safe until power is restored.

A few days of non-perishable food and water, a portable phone charger, and a basic first aid kit round out the essentials. Keeping a shovel and some ice melt by the door also means you're ready to dig out as soon as the storm passes.

At Thames Valley Snow, we handle the driveway so you're not stuck digging out in the middle of a storm, and a well-stocked kit takes care of the rest until the roads are clear.

Home Kit Checklist

Staying Warm Safely

Never use a barbecue, camp stove or generator indoors or in an attached garage. These produce carbon monoxide. Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms have working batteries. Close off unused rooms, gather in one space, and layer clothing. If you have a fuel-burning appliance, keep the exterior vents clear of snow, as a blocked vent is a carbon monoxide risk.

Your Car Kit

Outside the Door

Keep a shovel and ice melt just inside the door, not in a shed you cannot reach. If you have pets, a pet-safe product is worth having. Clear around the gas meter, dryer and furnace vents, and fire hydrants near your home. Avoid heavy shoveling during the worst of the storm, especially if you have heart concerns. With seasonal service, we come automatically for every snowfall of 5 cm or more, clear the City windrow, and return in long storms, so a buried driveway is one less thing to manage.

Check On Neighbours

Storm days are hardest for older neighbours and anyone living alone. Agree in advance who will check in by phone, and make sure someone has a spare key. A cleared path to the door also matters for paramedics, deliveries and home care workers, so keep the walkway and steps passable even if the driveway waits.

FAQ

How often should I check my kit?

Once a year before winter. Replace water, food, batteries and medications that are close to expiring.

Do you clear walkways and steps too?

Yes. Walkway and steps clearing starts at $150 plus HST, and seasonal salting is $175 plus HST, including freezing rain and refreeze visits.

Ready to stop worrying about winter? Get a free quote (we measure from City of London maps and aerial imagery and reply within 1 business day), or call or text (548) 888-8702. See our residential snow removal or walkway and steps service.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.