Climate Change and Extreme Weather

As the Town of Whitby faces increasing climate risks and extreme weather events, it's more important than ever to act. Since September 2023, we've been implementing Whitby's Climate Emergency Response Plan aimed at mitigating these risks and helping our community adapt. Together, we can ensure that Whitby remains a strong, sustainable, complete and healthy community.

Whitby's Climate Emergency Response Plan

Whitby’s Climate Emergency Response Plan, Phase 1: Resilience aims to address the climate changes we already experience and expect to experience in the future. Currently, the Town is developing and implementing an education campaign on climate preparedness and recovery. For more information about this project and other actions, visit our Connect Whitby project page.

Climate Risks:

Our town faces growing climate risks, including extreme weather events like floods, heatwaves, and storms. Stay informed and prepared – sign up for alerts to receive timely updates and protect yourself, your family, and your property. For cold and heat warnings, receive email updates by registering through Durham Region’s alert system.

Extreme Heat and Cold Events

Extreme heat and cold events are becoming more frequent and intense in Whitby, posing risks to health, safety and infrastructure. High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly for young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Here’s how you can prepare for extreme heat:

Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day (~10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Choose loose, light coloured clothing to help your body stay cool.
Install or upgrade insulation in your attic and walls.
Install heat-reflective window films, shades, or blinds to block out direct sunlight.

On the other hand, severe cold can result in hypothermia, frostbite, and damage to homes and infrastructure, such as frozen pipes and power outages. Here’s how you can prepare for extreme cold:

Avoid wearing wet clothing.
Protect your extremities by wearing gloves, wool socks, and a hat that covers your ears.
Insulate water pipes, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, or exterior walls.
Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulking, and ensure your attic and walls are properly insulated.

Additional resources:

Air Pollution

Air pollution can negatively impact your health, causing respiratory issues, allergies, and heart problems. It often comes from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and wildfires. To protect yourself and your property from air pollution:

Limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed on high pollution days.
Use air purifiers indoors.
Seal gaps in doors and windows using weatherstripping or caulking.
Stay informed through local air quality alerts to better plan your day such as through a weather app on your phone.

Additional resources:

Flood

Flooding can occur quickly due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, or rising rivers and lakes. It can cause extensive damage to property and pose serious health risks. In the event of a flood emergency, it’s crucial to be prepared. Here’s how you can prepare for a flood:

Check your property’s flood zone status through Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Tool.
Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.
Identify multiple routes out of your home and town in case roads are flooded.
Move valuable possessions and electrical equipment above potential flood levels.
Use flood barriers or sandbags around entrances and windows.
Apply waterproof coatings or sealants to walls and foundations, especially in the basement.
Listen to local news or weather alerts for flood warnings and evacuation instructions.
Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters, as they can be deceptively deep and swift.
If you are instructed to evacuate, move to a safe, elevated area immediately.

Additional resources:

Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases are illnesses transmitted to humans through the bite of infected vectors, such as mosquitos, ticks and fleas. Common examples include malaria, dengue, Lyme Disease and Zika virus. These diseases are often influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity, which can increase the prevalence of the vectors. To protect yourself, you can take the following measures:

Use insect repellent containing DEET.
Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure.
Eliminate standing water around your home (e.g., birdbaths, clogged gutters, flowerpots) to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
After spending time outdoors, perform thorough tick checks and remove ticks promptly.

Additional resources:

Wildfire

As wildfires pose an increasing threat, it’s essential for residents of Whitby to stay informed and prepared. Wildfires can spread quickly, so understanding how to protect your home, family, and community is crucial. Here’s how you can prepare:

Clear leaves, twigs, and dead vegetation from around your property. Trim trees and shrubs, and store firewood away from your home.
Use fire-resistant or non-combustible materials for roofing, siding, and decking.
Ensure you have essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents packed in an emergency kit.
Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters and have a plan for how to evacuate if necessary.
Monitor local news, weather alerts, and Town of Whitby social media for wildfire updates.

Additional resources:

Severe Weather (e.g., snow, wind, rain, ice, tornadoes)

Severe weather can cause significant disruptions and hazards in Whitby. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Here’s how you can prepare:

Build an emergency kit with food, water, medications, and important documents.
Keep extra blankets and have a flashlight with extra batteries.
Secure loose objects, reinforce windows, and avoid outdoor activities during storm warnings.
Ensure drains, downspouts and gutters are clear.
Stay alerted with weather alerts.
Follow evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures if issued.

Additional resources:

Extended Power Outage

Power outages can occur due to extreme weather events, such as storms, heatwaves, or cold snaps, which are increasingly linked to climate change. These disruptions can impact essential services, including heating, cooling, food preservation, and communication. To prepare, it’s important to have the following:

An emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, medications, and a battery-powered radio.
Consider investing in backup power options, such as a generator.
Ensure your home is weather-proofed.
Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and local advisories.
Create a plan for evacuation or shelter if necessary.

Additional resources:

Home Resiliency Measures

Resiliency measures help protect your home from the impacts of climate risks, such as extreme weather, floods, and wildfires. By implementing targeted strategies, you can reduce potential damage and improve your property’s ability to withstand future climate challenges. Explore the links below to learn more what steps you can take:

Emergency Kit Checklist

Being prepared for a climate emergency can significantly reduce the impact on your family and home. This guide outlines essential supplies and steps to create an effective emergency kit.

Preparing and Maintaining Your Emergency Kit

Choose a container or backpack that's durable, waterproof, and easy to carry.
Check your kit every six months. Replace expired food and medications, and ensure batteries are charged.
Consider the unique needs of your family, including infants, elderly members, or pets and tailor your kit accordingly.
Ensure everyone in your household knows where the kit is located and how to use its contents.
Develop an emergency plan including identifying safe locations, evacuation routes, and a communication plan with your family and friends.

What to Include in Your Emergency Kit

At least four (4) L of water / person / day (3-day supply)
Non-perishable items (canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, energy bars) / person / day (3-day supply)
Adhesive bandages
Antiseptic wipes
Gauze and tape
Scissors and tweezers
Pain relievers and prescription medications
LED or solar powered flashlight with extra batteries
Multi-tool or Swiss army knife
Blankets or sleeping bags
Extra clothing (sturdy shoes, weather appropriate attire)
Portable phone charger
Copies of insurance policies, identification, medical records and emergency contact information in a waterproof bag
Local maps
Whistle
Cash

Additional resources:

Zero Carbon Whitby

Zero Carbon Whitby was endorsed by Council in March 2021, this plan serves as both the Town's Corporate Energy Management Plan, and Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan.

Council Commitment - Climate Emergency Declaration

Whitby Council formally declared Climate Change an Emergency in 2019, this declaration recognizes the immediate need to take action to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the community is resilient.