UPDATE Snow Storm Info

UPDATE 4:50PM WHAT IS OPEN TOMORROW – From the Town of Milton

Facilities, Recreation and Rentals During Winter Storm: Feb 2nd

All Town of Milton facilities will be open for business as usual on February 2, 2011. For specific inquiries about the status of program cancellations or rentals due to the winter storm, please call the Milton Leisure Centre at 905-878-7946, Milton Sports Centre/Memorial Arena/John Tonelli Sports Centre at 905-878-7252, ext. 2601, Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre at 905-875-1681 or Town Hall at 905-878-7211. The Town of Milton’s Staff Inclement Weather Policy will take effect should the snow event limit municipal services at Town facilities. Please visit www.milton.ca again for further updates.

From the Region of Halton

Winter Storms – Emergency Preparedness

What to do during a Winter Storm

When a winter storm watch is in effect, listen to the radio or television for information or instructions. When a winter storm hits, stay indoors and make sure you have enough heating fuel.
During winter storms, icy roads challenge even the most experienced drivers. If you must travel during a winter storm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and expected arrival time. Where possible, stay on cleared routes. More about Driving in the Winter.
Power outages are often caused by winter storms which damage power lines and equipment. During a power outage, you may be left without heating, lighting, water, or phone. You can greatly lessen the impact of a power outage by taking the time to prepare in advance. You and your family should have a Family Emergency Survival Kit to cope on your own during a power outage for at least 72 hours.
Farmers should take the necessary precautions to safeguard animals and livestock.
If you must go outside, dress for the weather.
If you must travel during a snowstorm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time.

Recognizing cold-related injuries

The risk of cold-related injury varies depending on:
- the temperature
- wind speed
- length of time outdoors
- age
- physical conditions
- whether clothing is wet or dry
Frostbite, or the freezing of body tissue exposed to the cold, is a common cold-related injury and has a numbing effect so you may not be aware you are frostbitten.

Warning signs include

A stinging or aching feeling, followed by numbness.
Skin that feels waxy and cold; and skin that turns red, then gray, white, yellow or blue.

How to treat frostbite

Move the person to a warm place and call for professional emergency medical help.
Don’t let the person walk if his or her feet are frostbitten.
Handle the frostbitten area gently; never rub it. Wait for professional emergency medical help to arrive.
Do not try to rewarm the frostbitten area.

How to treat hypothermia

Gently move the person to a warm place and immediately call for professional emergency medical help.
Remove the person’s wet clothing. Slowly warm the person by wrapping them in blankets or putting on dry clothing. If the person is conscious, offer a warm, non-alcoholic drink and avoid caffeine.
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Heat loss occurs more rapidly when you are wet. Warning signs of hypothermia include increased shivering, slurred speech, impaired judgement, and poor muscle coordination.

UPDATE 4:17pm PARKING CONSIDERATIONS SUSPENDED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

From the Town of Milton website: Due to inclement weather conditions forecasted for the next few days, parking considerations have been suspended until further notice. Please remember to Allow the Plow and keep streets clear of parked cars for snow clearing operations.

Who said winter was over eh? You would have to be hidden under a rock, or on vacation in some exotic country NOT to know there is apparently a pretty big storm heading our way in the next 2 days. From Environment Canada…15-30 cm of snow in the nexxt 48 hours.

This begs the obvious question…are my kids going to have a snow day (or am I going to have a snow day) 🙂

All indications show this will hit us pretty hard every precaution needs to be taken. Stay tuned to the stations listed below on radio & TV to find out if the schools are closed for the day, if the school buses are running and any other emergency information you might need. If you need to drive, please drive carefully and if you dont need to be on the roads, stay at home.

As for our area, a reminder to everyone that plows will be out as soon as possible and to drive with care. If at all possible do not leave your vehicle parked on the road so the plows can get through as easily as possible.

From the Milton Canadian Champion

On the buses (or not?).

Due to the current weather forecast, the two Halton school boards are reminding parents and staff of the bus cancellations and school closure procedures relating to inclement weather.

In the event of inclement weather, the Halton District School Board Director of Education, in consultation with the Director of Education of the Halton Catholic District School Board, consult with the Halton Student Transportation Services to determine whether to cancel school transportation and/or close schools. This decision is made prior to 6 a.m. and communicated by 6:30 a.m.

The decision to cancel buses and/or close schools is communicated by the following methods:

AM Radio Stations: CFRB (1010 AM), CJOY (1460 AM), CHML (900 AM), CKOC (ll50 AM), CHWO (740 AM), CFTR (680 AM).

FM Radio Stations: CHFI (98.1 FM), WAVE (94.7 FM), Y108 (l07.9 FM),~CING (95.3 FM), CKFM Virgin Radio (99.9), KLITE (102.9 FM), CBC (99.1 FM), CIMJ (106.1 FM), CHBM Boom (97.3 FM), Classical (96.3 FM).

Television Stations: CHCH TV Morning Show; CITY TV (Breakfast Television)

Websites: www.haltonbus.ca or www.hdsb.ca

Switchboard: A message will be provided through the Halton District School Board’s main telephone number- 905 335-3665. Please follow the prompts to access school bus information. A message is also recorded on the Catholic Board’s main telephone number: 905-632-6300.

Home Notification System: An automated email or telephone message will be sent to notify parents/guardians of school closures only (not transportation cancellations). Only parents who have opted for this service will receive the message.

Mike Cluett