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

• 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.

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.

Safey 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.

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.

Checklist before the firs snow fall

• Winter tires fitted

• 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.