Settlement Services welcomes you to WINTER!

Whether it is your first winter in Canada or you have been here a long time, we want to help you be prepared for the upcoming cold season. There are lots of ways you can prepare the way you dress, what your children bring to school, or the way you organize your home to make this season cozy. If you have any questions about this article please contact your Settlement Counsellor for more information!

WINTER CLOTHING FOR OUTDOORS

Please ensure you have hats, mittens/gloves, winterized boots, and – most importantly – a good winter coat for each family member in your home. It is important that these items are INSULATED, as temperatures can reach as low as -18 °C.

What you wear UNDER your outdoor clothes can also help you stay warm. Many Canadians will buy thermal or wool socks to keep their feet dry and warm, as well as long johns or thermal underclothes – especially when you plan on being outdoors for a long time.
These items are available for purchase at Goodwill, Walmart, Giant Tiger, Winners, among other stores in Woodstock. If you are struggling with finances, please reach out to your Settlement Counsellor to access local resources where used items may be donated to you.

WINTER CLOTHING FOR INDOORS

Dressing in layers can help you stay warm outside and give you the opportunity to cool down inside in buildings that are heated. We recommend short or long-sleeve shirts and long pants (winter is not a time for shorts or tank tops!) 

For children attending school it is helpful to pack them an extra pair of socks or mittens so if theirs get wet at recess they have another pair to wear.

KEEPING YOUR HOME WARM and DRY

Canadian winters mean snow, slush, and cold winds outside. Let’s keep them out of the home by checking the following:

• Check common locations where cold wind can enter your home. You can hold a damp hand or couple of pieces of toilet paper to see if there is a draft. If you find there are drafts, you may wish to seal these windows or doors (you can buy weather strips or foam tape at the Dollar Store and easily install them on your own) 
• Optimize the heat you have using SUNLIGHT: Keeping your curtains open on the south-side of your home during sunny days can let light and heat into your home, while closing curtains at night retains heat. 
• Optimize the heat you have with a CEILING FAN: setting your fan to rotate clockwise pushes warm air by the ceiling down into your living space.
• Store your winter gear in a DRY place

1. Keep a waterproof boot tray by your front door to store all of your winter shoes
2. Hang wet mittens and socks in a dry area or put over floor vent to prepare them for their next trip outside
3. Have a coat rack ready to hold your coats where the ice and snow can melt off of them

KEEPING YOUR HOME SAFE

• Snow Removal - Shovel your walkway and driveway clear of ice and snow every morning! It is important to keep your family and visitors safe from falling. This is a great chore to give to an able child or young adult, or you can pay a neighbour to complete this task for you. 
  Register as a SNOW BUDDY to complete your volunteer hours for school this winter! 
• Keep Roads Clear for Snow Plows - Do not leave outdoor equipment or vehicles on or near the street where they may be hit by a snow plow during the early morning. This includes snow piles from your driveway, garbage/recycling
• Keep Children off of Road Snow Banks - Remind children not to play in snow banks by the road. This is an unsafe place to play

Preparing your family for the winter can be expensive and insulated clothing can cost more than lighter clothing. If you are struggling this season contact your Settlement Counsellor for advice and support.