Stay safe from the storm with these tips as winter weather pelts Brampton
Published January 9, 2024 at 1:29 pm
With Brampton under a winter weather advisory and a rainfall warning, the city is reminding residents to be prepared and stay safe from the storm.
Environment Canada put out notices on Tuesday saying to expect significant winter weather across much of southern Ontario including Brampton and Mississauga.
The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall in some areas and lead to school bus cancellations in Peel, as well as an alert from Pearson Airport in Mississauga suggests travellers check their flights.
With Region of Peel crews and anti-icing trucks out on the roads, the city is urging residents to keep safety in mind and follow these tips:
On the Roads
The Region uses tanker trucks to spray a brine mixture of salt and water on roads, bridges, curves and bends before freezing temperatures hit, helping reduce the build-up of black ice, frost and packed snow. Bridges get the brine treatment first, as they will freeze faster than roads.
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Motorists should give snow-clearing and anti-icing vehicles space to operate and room to work by not following too closely. Drivers should also take extra precautions when driving during winter weather, drive to the conditions and plan for delays.
Snow Removal
The city requires that residents clear all snow and ice from sidewalks in front and beside their home by 11 a.m. the day after snowfall ends.
Failing to clear snow can cost $125 for a first offence, $250 for a second and $500 for every following offence. Residents in Brampton who need assistance with snow removal can also apply for subsidized services.
Flooding
To help avoid any flooding the city says to make sure water and snow have a path to drain. Clear excess snow on your property and allow it to drain to the street. If it is safe to do so, try and clear a path to the nearest catch basin.
Residents should stay away from rivers and creeks and ensure that children and pets are kept away from potential hazards.
Power Outages
Alectra Utilities put out a notice on Monday alerting customers to the storm and says customers experiencing an outage should call 1-833-ALECTRA (1-833-253-2872). Updates can be found by following @AlectraNews on social media.
City of Brampton Recreation Facilities
The city says recreation programs and services could be impacted by weather and conditions and recommends following @BramptonParksRec on Instagram for service updates.
Emergency preparedness
Emergencies can strike any time and any place without warning, and the city recommends that residents prepare a 72-hour emergency kit for themselves and family members.
Here is a checklist of items you the city says should be included in 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)
- Three days worth of food and bottled water
- 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
- Medications
- Backpack or duffel bag (for the emergency survival kit, in case you have to evacuate)
- Whistle (in case you need to attract someone’s attention)
- Playing cards, game
- Waterproof matches and plastic garbage bags
For more information on emergency planning in Brampton visit www.Brampton.ca.
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