Winter guide
A guide for people moving to Överkalix who want to be prepared for snow, cold temperatures and winter darkness.
Your home and housing
• Check your heating system and learn how it works.
• Have an additional heat source available if needed.
• Protect water pipes from freezing.
• Keep a snow shovel, sand, and anti-slip products at home.
• Prepare for possible power outages with flashlights and spare batteries.
Your car
• Install approved winter tires well before winter arrives.
• An engine heater is highly recommended.
• Always keep an ice scraper, snow brush, and towing rope in your car.
• Store a blanket, gloves, and a reflective safety vest in your vehicle.
• Adjust your speed according to road conditions.
Dressing for the cold
• Wear thermal underwear made of wool or functional materials.
• Choose a warm winter jacket suitable for temperatures below -20°C.
• Wear winter boots with good grip.
• Use a hat, scarf, gloves, and reflective accessories.
Children and family
• Keep an extra set of clothes at preschool or school.
• Use reflective gear and helmets during winter activities.
Safey and preparedness
• Keep a first aid kit easily accessible.
• Charge power banks and keep your phone charged.
• Inform family members when traveling long distances by car in poor weather.
Health and well being
• Exercise regularly.
• Participate in local associations and community activities.
• Try skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and northern lights watching.
Checklist before the firs snow fall
• Snow shovel purchased
• Engine heater checked
• Winter clothing ready
• Reflective gear prepared
• Emergency preparedness kit at home
Complete winter checklist
1. Understanding winter in Överkalix
☐ Temperatures below -20°C are not uncommon.
☐ The snow season can be long with heavy snowfall.
☐ Shorter daylight hours during December and January require extra planning.
2. Your home and housing
☐ Check your heating system and learn how it works.
☐ Have an additional heat source available if needed.
☐ Protect water pipes from freezing.
☐ Keep a snow shovel, sand, and anti-slip products at home.
☐ Prepare for possible power outages with flashlights and spare batteries.
3. Your car in winter
☐ Install approved winter tires well before winter arrives.
☐ An engine heater is highly recommended.
☐ Always keep an ice scraper, snow brush, and towing rope in your car.
☐ Store a blanket, gloves, and a reflective safety vest in your vehicle.
☐ Adjust your speed according to road conditions.
4. Dressing for the cold
☐ Use the layer-on-layer principle.
☐ Wear thermal underwear made of wool or functional materials.
☐ Choose a warm winter jacket suitable for temperatures below -20°C.
☐ Wear winter boots with good grip.
☐ Use a hat, scarf, gloves, and reflective accessories.
5. Children and family
☐ Equip children with a warm winter overall and insulated winter boots.
☐ Keep an extra set of clothes at preschool or school.
☐ Use reflective gear and helmets during winter activities.
6. Safety and preparedness
☐ Store drinking water and several days' worth of food at home.
☐ Keep a first aid kit easily accessible.
☐ Charge power banks and keep your phone charged.
☐ Inform family members when traveling long distances by car in poor weather.
7. Health and well-being
☐ Spend time outdoors in daylight whenever the sun is up.
☐ Exercise regularly.
☐ Participate in local associations and community activities.
☐ Try skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and northern lights watching.