When a major winter storm warning gets issued for the London area, grocery store shelves tend to empty fast. Getting ahead of that rush by stocking up a few days early, rather than the night before, makes for a much less stressful storm.
Food and water are the obvious basics. A few days of non-perishable food, bottled water, and anything needed for infants or pets covers the essentials if roads become impassable for a day or two. It is also worth having food that does not require cooking, in case of a power outage during the storm.
De-icing supplies matter just as much on the home maintenance side. Salt or ice melt, a good shovel, and if you use one, fuel or batteries for a snowblower should all be checked and topped up before the storm hits, not during it when stores may be picked over or difficult to reach.
For power outages, flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger are worth having on hand, along with a backup heat source if your home relies on electric heating and you are in an area prone to outages during major storms. Candles are an option too, though they come with their own fire safety considerations.
A Simple Storm Checklist
- Three days of food that does not need cooking, plus bottled water
- Medications, baby supplies and pet food for several days
- Flashlights, spare batteries and a charged power bank
- A warm blanket for each person in case the heat goes out
- Salt or ice melt for steps, and a sturdy shovel
- A full tank of gas and a winter kit in the car
Choosing Ice Melt
Not every product suits every surface or household. If you have pets, look for a pet-safe product. Thames Valley Snow offers pet-safe de-icer for $120 per season, and seasonal salt for $175, which includes freezing rain and refreeze visits.
Get Snow Removal Sorted Before the Warning
The easiest thing to stock up on is time. A seasonal plan from December 1 to March 31 means service starts automatically every time 5 cm or more falls, with return visits in long storms and the City windrow cleared. You receive a timestamped photo after every visit. Seasonal prices plus HST start at $650 to $725 for a single or 1.5-car driveway, and seniors and front-line workers get 5% off.
Helping an Older Parent Prepare
Family members can book and pay for a parent's plan, with invoices and visit updates going to whoever they choose. That way you know the driveway and steps were cleared even if you live across town.
Do Not Forget the Car
Keep a winter kit in your vehicle: an ice scraper and brush, a small shovel, a blanket, gloves, a phone charger, sand or kitty litter for traction, and some water and snacks. Keep the gas tank at least half full during storm season so you are not stuck at the pump when roads are at their worst.
Keep Important Numbers Handy
Write down your hydro outage line, a neighbour you can call and your snow removal contact, in case your phone battery runs low.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I stock up?
A few days before a storm, or better, at the start of the season, before stores get busy.
Is it too late to book once a storm is forecast?
Ask for a quote any time. Prices are measured from City maps and aerial imagery and fixed within 1 business day.
Want a fixed price for your property? Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read about residential snow removal and walkway and steps clearing.
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.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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