Yes, there is climate change, it must be Mother Nature sending us a message.
In Canada, we’re experiencing some pretty wild weather swings, from super cold winters to hot and humid summer heat waves. 

Increased warming is occurring across the world, but here in Canada, on average, we have double the global rate. The climate changes are the new normal, and it continues to  risk our environment, communities and the economy.

How do we prepare for Our new weather reality?

Taking preventative measures before you need to, is the best way to reduce your risk and keep you safer. Below are a few tips that will save you valuable time if a weather alert is issued for your area.

• Make or buy emergency supply kits. If you make 2 of them, one for your home and one for your car you'll be more prepared. Each kit should hold enough supplies for your family for min. 72 hours. You may want different ones for summer and winter so you don't have to recreate them for each season. 
• Talk about creating a 'how to stay in touch' plan. How will everyone know where each of you are if the phones all go down. 
• Find the safest zone in your home and/or outside your home where everyone will meet incase of an emergency. 
• Take a good stock of everything in your home for insurance purposes. The easiest way to do this is to take pics of each room, closets, storage areas and save them in your phone or laptop. 
• Take a look at your property and check to see if there are any large limbs from your trees that could but cut down.  

Know What The weather alerts Mean

Environment Canada issues four different types of weather alerts, depending on how bad they feel the weather appears to be. 

1. Warning: Severe weather is happening or will happen. This is the most urgent type of alert.
2. Watch: The potential exists for severe weather. A Watch may be upgraded to a Warning.
3. Advisory: Issued for less-severe weather occurrences like fog, frost, freezing drizzle or blowing snow.
4. Special Weather Statement: Conditions are unusual, but not as urgent as the other three.