Environment Canada has issued a Snowfall Warning and a Special Weather Statement for this weekend.
Significant snowfall is expected tonight (Friday, March 28th) into Saturday with accumulations of 10 to 20cm. The snow may become mixed with ice pellets at times for some areas overnight. Snow and ice pellets will become lighter Saturday morning, but may continue through much of the day.
Prolonged freezing rain is forecasted to begin early Sunday morning (March 30th) and continue until Sunday evening, with significant ice accretion of 5 to 10mm. There is a possibility of power outages, slippery surfaces and broken tree branches from ice build-up.
Charge Your Devices:
Plug in your electronics now! If there is a possibility the power will go out, plug your devices in to charge them as much as possible prior to losing power. If/when the power does go out, unplug your devices to avoid damage from a power surge.
72-Hour Kit:
Make sure you’re ready by ensuring you have working batteries in your flashlights, a stocked 72-hour kit (https://www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency#section-2) and a plan in place in the event of a power outage.
Generator Safety
If you use a generator during a power outage, please make note of the following safety tips from the Carleton Place Fire Department:
- Always keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home
- Never operate a generator in an enclosed space
- Make sure the generator has three (3) to four (4) feet of clear space above and on all sides for proper ventilation
- Always use grounded cords and inspect cords for damage prior to use
- Use the proper cord for the wattage being used
- Always use GFCI protection
Check on Family, Friends and Neighbours
Neighbours are one (1) of the greatest resources in an emergency. Introduce yourself before an emergency strikes. Helping a neighbour can be as simple as checking in on them to make sure they’re ok when the power goes out or sharing information during an emergency. Everyone benefits when we look out for each other!