With the return of snow a possibility this weekend, the County of Prince Edward encourages residents to prepare for the winter season.
Preparing for a winter storm includes knowing what to do before, during, and after the white stuff falls.
Interim Fire Chief Tim Kraemer offers the following tips and resources:
- Create or review your emergency plans and 72-hour preparedness kits. Visit Emergency Management Ontario for more information.
- If your power goes out or if there is a hazard involving an electric utility, contact the Hydro One Power Outage & Emergency Line by dialing 1.800.434.1235 (24 hours, 7 days a week). This number can be used to report a power outage, fallen tree, or emergency.
- Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. If a power outage occurs, use flashlights and battery-powered lighting. Keep fresh batteries on hand and never use candles as a light source.
- Be ready if the heat stops working. Wear extra layers of clothing and use blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from family members, pets, and other household items.
- Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room and when you go to bed. Click here for more winter fire safety tips.
- If your primary source of heat fails, only use secondary sources of heat that are approved for indoor use. All fuel and wood burning heaters must be properly vented to the outside of your home to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
- If you rely on a generator in the event of a power failure, keep the generator away from your home and garage to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home.
- Stay updated by signing up to receive news and notices from the County and follow the municipality on Facebook , Twitter/X and Instagram.
For more information, contact Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue at 613.476.2345 or fire@pecounty.on.ca.