With windchill values expected to plummet by week's end, Manitoba Hydro is issuing some tips on staying safe. Furnaces will start working harder to fight windchills of -30 to -35, Scott Powell has this advice for homeowners.

"For those who have natural gas service in their homes or use their gas for space and water heating, we always encourage people to ensure they have a carbon monoxide detector. Make sure your batteries are changed and are fresh."

He explains how carbon monoxide's created.

"Carbon monoxide is formed when natural gas is burned incorrectly or not in a clean burn. If your furnace is working at optimum you shouldn't have an issue. It's odourless, colourless, and poisonous if it should build up in your home."

Powell says there are a couple of things we should keep in mind when we're removing all the snow we'll be shovelling.

"We have meter readers out, and service people out. We ask our customers to try and keep their gas meter are clear of ice and snow, and obviously keep a path to your electric meter and gas meter clear if it's outside, so our meter readers can move through the area."

Meanwhile, once this storm system moves out, temperatures are expected to plummet by the end of the week.