With a winter storm warning in effect for most of Southern Ontario today, Halton Region has issued a reminder to residents in Burlington, Oakville, Millton and Halton Hills take steps to prepare for today's weather.
Environment Canada is forecasting a severe winter storm with 15 to 25 cm of snow expected to hit Burlington and Oakville beginning Sunday morning. Winds will strengthen and become gusty this afternoon and evening, reducing visibility to 0.5 km or less. The combination of snow and blowing snow will make for hazardous traveling conditions.
Halton Hills and Milton are expected to receive a significant amount of snow and blowing snow tonight and Monday morning.
“Halton Region’s Emergency Management team is closely monitoring the winter storm and Environment Canada forecasts and is in contact with local municipalities’ emergency management staff, local utilities and other partner agencies,” said Halton Chair Gary Carr in a press release issued early Sunday. “Halton residents should consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve, however if you must travel, take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Residents can also take steps to be prepared, like having emergency kits ready.”
Highways, Regional roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
Winter storms may also cause power outages leaving you without heating, lighting, and water or phone services.
Residents are advised to take these steps prior to the winter storm:
• Check the radio, television or Halton.ca/severeweather for updates, information or instructions.
• Stock up on water and ready-to-eat food, as well as battery-powered or wind up flashlights and radios – and extra batteries. In other words, have an Emergency Go-Kit and a Shelter-in-Place/Stay at Home Kit in your home. Keep an Emergency Car Survival Kit in your car and your gas tank filled above halfway.
During winter storm residents can follow these tips:
• Try to stay indoors. If you must go out, remember to dress for the weather.
• Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, be sure to allow extra time and let someone know your route and expected time of arrival. Check weather and road reports before you leave.
• Stay at least 10 metres away from a fallen power line, even if it doesn’t appear to be live and report it to your local utility. If you experience a power outage, contact your local utility.
• During winter storms, the Halton Regional Police Service frequently receives 911 calls reporting damage trees or property. Unless the storm has caused immediate danger or risk to someone’s personal safety, dial 311 rather than 911.
• Place waste collection material out the morning of your collection by 7 a.m. (not the night before) or consider holding on to your materials until your next collection day.
Halton residents can stay up to date on the weather conditions by checking Halton.ca/severeweather, by monitoring Halton’s Twitter feed @RegionofHalton, by listening for the latest warnings and advisories on radio or television, or dialing 311.
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Detail Link :
http://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/5296887-halton-region-advises-residents-to-be-prepared-for-winter-storm/