Winter Heating Readiness in Ottawa: How to Prepare for Emergencies

Why a Heating Emergency Plan Matters?

 
Ottawa winters are known for extreme cold. When temperatures drop well below freezing, a furnace breakdown or power outage can quickly turn into a dangerous situation—especially for children, seniors, and anyone with health conditions. Having a heating emergency plan in place ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Backup Heating Options

If your furnace fails, having backup heating solutions can keep your family safe until professional help arrives:
 
  • Portable electric heaters – Safe for short-term use when placed on stable surfaces, away from curtains or flammable materials.
     
  • Wood stoves or fireplaces – Effective if properly vented. Always keep chimneys and flues clear.
     
  • Propane portable heaters – Use only as a last resort and always with proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
     
⚠️ Never use your kitchen oven for heating—it’s unsafe and can create serious fire or CO risks.

Emergency Supplies Kit

Every Ottawa home should have a winter emergency kit ready. Essentials include:
 
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
     
  • Bottled water and non-perishable food
     
  • Extra blankets and warm clothing
     
  • Battery-powered radio
     
  • Special supplies if elderly family members or infants are present
     
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Pre-Winter Equipment Prep

Taking simple steps before the deep freeze can prevent emergencies later:
 
  • Check that your furnace display batteries (if digital) are working.
     
  • Keep furnace vents and supply lines free of snow and ice.
     
  • Top up propane, oil, or wood supplies before a storm.
     
  • Save emergency contact numbers in your phone for quick access.
     

Who to Call in an Emergency

In case of a heating emergency, knowing who to call saves valuable time:
 
Program these numbers into your phone before winter starts.

Stay Informed

Stay connected during Ottawa’s winter storms:
  • Monitor weather alerts via Environment Canada.
     
  • Call E311 in Ottawa for emergency updates.
     
  • Sign up for local alerts to receive notifications about outages or severe weather events.
     

Be Ready with Ercan’s HVAC

A little preparation goes a long way. With an emergency plan and a trusted HVAC partner, you can face even the harshest Ottawa winters confidently.

Looking to boost your winter heating readiness in Ottawa? Contact Ercan’s Heating & Cooling today to schedule a furnace check-up or get 24/7 emergency assistance.

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