Overnight Parking Ban, December 1st to April 1st
Effective December 1st to April 1st, parking is prohibited on all Township roads and streets from 2:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to facilitate winter road maintenance operations. Vehicles found parked overnight on Township roads during the parking ban or on Regional roads at any time will be ticketed. For further information, please call 519-669-1647 Extension 6009 or 6005.
Tips for Dealing with High Winds and Severe Rainfall
When high winds and significant amounts of rainfall are expected, Emergency Management Ontario advises the public to follow these safety tips.
Before the Storm
- Listen to your local radio station for the most up-to-date storm information.
- Store or tie down all outdoor furniture, garbage cants, lawn ornaments or anything else that might blow around.
- If possible, trim dead or rotting branches that might be susceptible to high winds and rain. Check the drainage around the house to reduce the possibility of flooding after a heavy rain.
- Have a meeting place arranced or some way of communicating with family members who may be at work, school or away from home when a storm hits.
- Have a supply of water, food, clothing, blankets, medication and first-aid and tool kits as well as flashlight, batteries and a portable radio.
During the storm
- If winds become extremely high, take shelter in a basement, storm cellar or a closet beneath the stairs. If non these are available, sit underneath a sturdy piece of furniture on the ground floor in the centre of the building away from outside walls and windows.
- If you are outdoors, take shelter immediately - preferably in a building. If there is lightning and you cannot get inside, lie in a depressed area such as a ditch or culvert, but never under a tree. If caught in the open, do not lie flat on the ground - sit in a frog position and lower your head.
- Do not approach and downed power lines. If you are in your car and a power line falls on it, remain in your car. Do not attempt to get out until emergency crews arrive to help.
- Avoid driving through flooded roads and underpasses. The way may be a great deal deeper than it looks and you could get stuck. Also avoid crossing bridges if the water is high and flowing quickly.
- Use caution when driving because traffic lights may not operate. If the traffic lights are out treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
- Do not use 9-1-1 unless its a geniune emergency.
- Listen to local radio for emergency information.
- Use proper candleholders. Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from combustible materials.
- Check on elderly or disabled neighbours. If you need assistance yourself, contact neighbours for help.
- If there is a power outage, keep your fridge and freezer shut unless absolutely necessary. A full freezer can keep food frozen for 24-36 hours if the door stays shut.
- Don't use charcoal, gas barbeques or home generators indoors. They give off deadly carbon monoxide.
For more information click here for the Emergency Management Ontario's website.
Flying Lanterns Pose a Potential Fire Hazard
The Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM) has released a communication regarding a consumer product, the Flying Lantern (or the Sky Lantern) that poses a serious fire safety hazard.
The product resembles a small paper hot-air balloon, fuelled by open flame. When released, the hot air produced by the fuel source can lift the lantern to extreme heights, drifting for long distances until the fuel is depleted. Due to their uncntrolled and upredictable flight path, they can land on trees, building rooftops, or other combustible properties while still ignited and potentially cause a fire.
Click here for more information.
Portable Air Conditioners
Recent fire in Barrie prompts OFM to issue fire safety warning.
Ontarians should plug portable air conditioners directly into electrical outlets or, if that is not possible, use heavy-duty appliance extension cords warns Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Crawford. This fire safety warning comes after the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) confirmed a near million-dollar fire in Barrie began with the improper use of an extension cord.
Click here for the complete news release.
