City of Brampton prepares for major winter storm, crews are ready

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Published December 22, 2022 at 2:13 pm

snow plow

The City of Brampton is preparing for a possible major winter storm.

Environment Canada issued a Special Weather Statement for Brampton and the surrounding area for a major winter storm, with approximately 15 mm of rain Thursday (Dec. 22) transitioning to snow late Friday (Dec. 23).

The temperature will drop Friday, leading to a potential flash freeze for locations that receive rainfall. Then about 10 to 20 cm of snow is also expected along with strong winds causing blizzard like conditions.

City of Brampton crews are ready and are pre-salting roads, sidewalks, and parking lots in preparation of the storm, the city said in a press release today (Dec. 22). Pre-salting prevents snow from sticking and makes roads easier to plow.

Road operations staff are working 24 hours a day, five days a week, monitoring roadways and sidewalks. Maintenance inspectors are performing 24-hour inspections of roads, sidewalks and bridges. Parks operations staff will be clearing fire halls and recreational centre parking lots first, followed by recreational trails.

When it snows, crews salt and plow primary roads first. Once these roads are clear, crews start salting residential streets.

Peel Regional Police suggest drivers stay off the roads Friday if they don’t need to go out.

City crews plow residential streets when at least five cm (two inches) of snow falls in a single storm. Streets are not plowed to bare pavement, and it is normal for some snow to stay on the ground even once the street is plowed.

Crews aim to have all roads, sidewalks and trails maintained within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall. It may take longer if weather conditions are severe.

For information on plowing, visit www.311brampton.ca, 311 mobile app, email 311 at [email protected] or call 311.

Brampton provided the following tips to stay safe:

  • Restrict time spent outdoors, as exposed skin can freeze in minutes in extreme cold.
  • Keep pets inside except for short bathroom breaks.
  • Residents are encouraged to check in on friends, family and neighbours.
  • Homeowners should clear their sidewalks by 11 a.m. the day after a snowfall. This helps ensure the safety of yourself and others. Failing to clear sidewalks after a complaint may result in the issuance of a $250 penalty notice and the city may perform the work at your expense.
  • Drive according to conditions, stay alert, slow down and make sure you have a winter driving emergency kit.

Power Outages

Power outages may occur due to high winds. Alectra Utilities’ customers should call 1-833-ALECTRA (1-833-253-2872).

Tree removal and damage clean-up service requests

The city is responsible for the following on city property:
• Removal and clean-up of city-owned trees and debris
• Broken or damaged equipment
• General damage
• Lights not working
• Picnic tables or benches missing
• Water ponding

During significant weather events, 311 experiences significantly higher than normal call volumes. To report any fallen tree branches, trees or debris to 311.

If residents are in danger, they should call 911 immediately.

Emergency Kits

Here is a checklist of items you should have as part of a 72-Hour Emergency Kit:
• Flashlight and batteries (in case the lights go out)
• Radio and batteries or crank radio (so you can listen to news bulletins)
• Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
• First-aid kit
• Candles and matches/lighter
• Extra car keys and cash (including coins/cards for telephone)
• Important papers (identification for everyone, personal documents)
• Food and bottled water (see food list)
• Clothing and footwear (one change of clothes per person)
• Blankets or sleeping bags (one blanket or sleeping bag per person)
• Toilet paper and other personal supplies
• Medication
• Backpack/duffel bag (for the emergency survival kit, in case you have to evacuate)
• Whistle (in case you need to attract someone’s attention)
• Waterproof matches and plastic garbage bags

Emergency food and water kit
• Have at least a three-day supply of food and water on hand – At least two litres per person per day
• Food: Choose ready-to-eat foods that your family likes – that doesn’t need refrigeration.
• Examples: Canned food – soups, stews, baked beans, pasta, meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, crackers and biscuits, honey, peanut butter, salt and pepper, sugar, instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate, power bars
• Equipment: Knives, forks, spoons, disposable cups and plates, manual can opener, bottle opener, fuel stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s instructions)
• Don’t use a barbecue indoors.

Brampton Transit

Brampton Transit services may be impacted by weather and conditions. For the latest updates when planning your trip, call the Brampton Transit Contact Centre at 905.874.2999,  or visit triplinx.ca.

City of Brampton recreation facilities

City of Brampton Recreation Facilities and Community Centres may have changes in hours of operations, services and programming due to inclement weather. For an updated listing, visit www.brampton.ca/recreation.

Lighthouse Program

The City’s Lighthouse Program is an initiative where faith-based organizations offer their facilities as places of refuge during times of crisis. Residents are encouraged to use the Lighthouse Program directory to connect with faith-based organizations in the community to access support in the event of natural disasters, like floods or storms, or in extreme weather. For more details on the Lighthouse Program, visit www.brampton.ca/prepared

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