Bruce County is urging residents to make sure they are prepared for winter storms, as the region has already seen significant snow and harsh weather this season.
County officials say winter storms can bring more than just difficult driving conditions, noting that heavy snow and ice can damage infrastructure and lead to power outages. Residents are being reminded to have a home emergency kit that can support their household for at least 72 hours, and potentially longer.
"Extra consideration should be taken for your home emergency kit during the winter months," said Ray Lux, Bruce County’s emergency management coordinator. "Power outages can have more implications with cold weather. Make sure your kit has the supplies to help keep you safe and warm in the event of a power failure during a winter storm."
Bruce County recommends winter emergency kits include warm indoor clothing and blankets, flashlights with fresh batteries, non-perishable food and water, and a plan to stay warm if the power goes out. Officials also suggest having a backup generator if possible, or designating a single room in the home that can be sealed off to retain heat.
Residents looking for more information on emergency preparedness can find resources through federal, provincial, and county emergency preparedness websites. Bruce County is also reminding residents to prepare for power outages by using Hydro One’s outage map and mobile app to report outages and track restoration efforts.
