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Spring is a season of changeable weather, but we probably don’t need to tell you that. But as a place of retreat in winter, you don’t just have to pay attention to the weather.
So here are five things to keep in mind.
5. ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO REMOVE THESE WINTER TIRES?
Winter tires tend to lose grip when the outside temperature is above 7°C, so most car experts recommend removing them when the daily maximum temperature is constantly hovering around this mark.
But there are other factors to consider when deciding when to swap out your tires for all-season tires, and most of these are location-specific.
In Quebec, for example, it’s illegal to remove winter tires before March 16, and with good reason.
Late season snowfalls are common across Canada, particularly in Quebec and along the east coast.
RELATED: Spring is Here: When Should You Take Off Your Winter Tires?
4. PREPARING FOR FLOOD
Spring flooding occurs almost annually in some parts of Canada due to a combination of heavy rain, rising temperatures and a melting snowpack.
If you live in a flood-prone area, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of property damage:
Check your home, car, and cabin insurance before a flood. Living in a flood-prone area can make a home ineligible for flood insurance—but living outside of a flood-prone area doesn’t necessarily ensure insurance coverage.
“Buyers need to be aware that homes can be considered flood-prone even though they are not near water,” Garth Macdonald, a law student at Delaney’s Law Firm in Ottawa, Ontario, told The Weather Network in 2015.
“Each insurance company determines which areas are at risk. Categories like ‘flood plains’, ‘vulnerable zones’ and ‘peripheral areas’ affect insurability, rates and policies.”
Inspect your home for vulnerable areas and make necessary repairs.
This includes lifting equipment that water could damage, including your furnace, oil tank, water heater, and electrical wiring. You may also want to install back pressure valves to prevent sewer lines from backing up.
Take valuables to a higher level.
Basements are prone to flooding, so removing valuable items ahead of flood season can be a good idea.
SEE BELOW: FLOOD RESISTANT HOUSES THE WAY OF THE FUTURE?
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3. DON’T FORGET SUN PROTECTION
It’s natural to want to get outside when the weather warms up – and when you do, be sure to put on your sunscreen.
You can get sunburned at any time of the year, even on cloudy days. It’s important to stay safe when spending any length of time outdoors.
Here are a few tips:
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Health experts say finding the right sunscreen is important. SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97 percent and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent.
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Remember to look for a sunscreen that offers “broad spectrum protection.” This protects against UVA rays that can cause cancer and wrinkles.
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Wear a hat, protective clothing and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.
2. GET READY TO SNEEE
If you’re among the estimated 25 percent of Canadians who suffer from springtime allergies (also known as hay fever), we apologize.
April and May tend to be the worst months for seasonal allergies, as that’s when tree pollen peaks.
Luckily, spring showers can help keep allergies (somewhat) under control.
“Not only will the rain wash away the pollen in the air, it will also inhibit pollen release from flowers that are ready to release pollen but are waiting for dry weather,” biologist Estelle Levetin told CBC in 2011.
If hay fever is affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor. There are a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
SEE BELOW: HOW TO FIND SEASONAL ALLERGIES IN YOUR PETS
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1. TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE
Tornado season in Canada doesn’t typically peak until June or July, but tornadoes can – and do – occur in spring.
Here are a few tips to help keep you safe, courtesy of The Weather Network and the Canadian and American Red Cross.
LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS
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Stay away from windows.
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Unplug devices.
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Don’t use the phone.
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Avoid running tap water.
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Try to reach a safe building or vehicle (picnic shelters, shelters and sheds are NOT considered safe).
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Avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers.
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If you are on the water, go ashore and seek shelter immediately.
IF SOMEONE GETS KILLED BY LIGHTNING
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Call for help / dial 911.
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The injured person has received an electric shock and may suffer burns or other injuries.
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People struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be safely handled.
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provide first aid. When the heart has stopped, a trained person should perform CPR.
Environment Canada offers a 30-30 rule. If you can count 30 seconds or less between seeing lightning and hearing thunder, take shelter and stay there 30 minutes after you last heard thunder.
TORNADO SAFETY ADVICE
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Should a tornado develop, seek shelter underground if possible—preferably in a basement.
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If there is no underground space, opt for a windowless interior or hallway on the lowest level of a solid building.
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Never try to outrun a tornado.
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Have a cell phone and/or battery-powered radio handy so you can keep an eye on tornado clocks and warnings.
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DO NOT go outside if a tornado is imminent or near you.
DIFFICULT WEATHER WARNING SIGN
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big hail
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strong winds
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Debris clouds and tree damage
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pouring rain
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Heavy thunder/lightning
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Dark, often greenish clouds
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funnel clouds
VIDEO: HOW TO STAY SAFE IN A TORNADO
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Thumbnail courtesy: Getty Images/freemixer/stock photo
