NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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Environment Canada has issued a winter storm watch across most of southern Ontario, which indicates a major winter storm is expected to impact Simcoe County and beyond late this week and into the holiday weekend.
Given this, Emergency Management Simcoe County has several recommendations that residents can follow to stay safe during inclement winter weather.
Winter storms, blizzards, and ice storms can produce heavy snowfall, hazardous driving conditions and power outages. Residents can prepare for winter storms by:
- Listening to weather reports to be aware of approaching storms
- Preparing vehicles for winter driving conditions. Install winter tires, check, and replace windshield wipers and fluid if needed, and ensure regular maintenance is completed
- Ensure your gas tank is always at least half-full
- Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. Visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for list of items
During the storm, residents should:
- Postpone travel unless absolutely necessary
- Drive with caution: slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, turn on your vehicle lights, including hazard lights if needed
- If your car becomes stuck in snowstorm and you can’t get it out, remain in the vehicle to stay warm; if you do remain in the vehicle, you can run the engine for 10 minutes every hour (ensure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from entering the car)
- If you must go outside, dress in warm apparel suited to the weather conditions
- If at home, keep snow and ice from building up around your gas meter, and gas appliance vents
Ice storms and freezing rain can create particularly dangerous driving conditions and should freezing rain accumulate on power lines and trees, it may create an increased risk of power outages. In the event of an ice storm, residents should:
- Avoid driving and wait until road conditions improve
- Get out your emergency kit and be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours
- Remember to stay at least 30 metres away and contact the electricity provider or call 911 should you encounter fallen power lines
Residents can also follow Emergency Management Simcoe County on Twitter and on Facebook for updates.
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