The County is encouraging residents and businesses to take a few moments to prepare for winter weather now to avoid hassles later.
Check your mailbox
- Rural residents and businesses are encouraged to check their roadside mailboxes. Mailboxes that need repair can be further damaged when hit with snow thrown from a plow. Ensure that your mailbox is secure, upright and in good repair now to avoid damage from thrown snow.
- The County is not responsible for damage to mailboxes or other property caused by thrown snow. If you suspect that a County plow has made contact with and caused damage to your property, contact Customer Service at 613.476.2148 extension 1023, 613.962.9108 extension 1023 or info@pecounty.on.ca.
Know where to throw your snow
- When plowing or shovelling on your property, do not deposit snow on County roads or sidewalks. Check your eavestroughs and sump pumps to ensure they are not draining onto County roads or sidewalks. Snow, water, and ice from private property burdens the County’s winter maintenance operations on roads and sidewalks.
- Make sure snow is not blocking any fire hydrants around your property, and that they are shovelled for ease of access in the event that the Fire Department must respond to a fire in your neighbourhood.
Get ready for winter driving
- Make sure to get maintenance checks completed on your vehicles, keeping your fuel tank at least half full and ensuring that you have an ice scraper and washer fluid in your vehicle.
- Ensure that winter tires are properly installed on your vehicle.
- It is strongly recommended to have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stuck somewhere during winter weather events. The kit should contain gloves, a hat, shovel, candles, jumper cables, some snacks and water.
Winter-proof your home
- Winter-proofing your home includes shutting off outside water to prevent your water pipes from freezing.
- Ensure gas vents and water meter reader heads are clear of snow and ice to protect yourself from carbon monoxide building up inside your home.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned so that it does not become a fire hazard.
- Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts.
- Have a supply of sand or salt to prevent slips and falls on your driveway or outdoor stairs.
- Have a home emergency kit ready in case of a power outage or winter conditions that prevent you from leaving your home. Kits should include water, food, flashlights, and make sure you have a working generator.
Be a good neighbour
- Remove parked cars, garbage and recycling bins from residential roads during a snowfall to allow plows to clear the street and sidewalks. An overnight parking ban is in effect on all Prince Edward County roads from December 1 – March 31 from 12 am to 6 am.
- Be a good neighbour by clearing sidewalks and walkways from snow and ice as soon as possible after a snowfall and offer to help seniors and persons with disabilities who may need assistance with snow clearing.
- Use salt wisely to minimize the impact of salt on the environment. Follow manufacturer instructions and apply salt in the correct amounts under the right conditions.
For more information about The County’s snow removal and sidewalk maintenance program, visit the County’s website or contact 613.476.2148 extension 1023, 613.962.9108 extension 1023, or email info@pecounty.on.ca