Winter Safety: Be Prepared and Plan Ahead

Welcome to our Winter Safety Information, where we provide essential tips and information to help you navigate the challenges of winter weather. Whether you’re facing storm surges, power outages, or the hazards of melting snow and ice, being prepared is key to ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

72-Hour Preparedness

In times of emergency, it’s crucial to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Equip yourself with a Basic Emergency Kit that includes water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a radio, a first aid kit, and more. Familiarize yourself with the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need.

Basic Emergency Kit Checklist

Winter Parking Ban

Effective Dates: December 1 to April 30

No person shall park an unattended vehicle on any street, road reservation, or municipal parking areas in such a way to interfere with, hinder or obstruct snow clearing operations;
No person shall park an unattended vehicle on any street or road reservation within the Town;
- Between the hours of midnight and 10:00 a.m. during the Snow Clearing Period regardless of weather conditions
- During a snowstorm
- During the 24 hours immediately following a snowstorm
- During Council-declared clean-up periods after severe storms or snowfall.

Fire Safety

Winter sees an increased risk of home fires. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur during December, January, and February. While you’re keeping warm this winter, it’s essential to be fire-smart.

Nearly half of all space heater fires involve electric space heaters. Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room and when you go to bed.
Generators should be used outdoors. Keep them away from windows and doors. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open.
Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.

Fire Hydrants: In our town, we prioritize snow clearing operations for roads and sidewalks during winter storms. However, there are around 1,300 fire hydrants in the Town of Conception Bay South. We kindly request that residents assist us by keeping the fire hydrants near their homes accessible. You are both permitted and encouraged to clear fire hydrant areas. In emergencies, every second counts.

Snow Clearing and Winter Operations

During heavy snowfall, the Town’s focus is on the clearing of collector roads and supporting emergency services. Roads are cleared in a priority sequence, determined by street classification. If you would like to learn more about the Town’s winter control operations, please visit the following link: www.conceptionbaysouth.ca/streets-and-roads/snow-clearing

Potholes: Potholes can develop quickly in freezing temperatures. Help us identify and prioritize them for repair by visiting Report a Pothole.

Before a Storm Surge

Prepare for storm surges by checking your property for flood vulnerabilities, learning to turn off utilities, and storing important documents safely. Stay informed about potential evacuations and keep your emergency kit portable for quick access.

Melting Snow & Ice

Heavy rain and melting snow can lead to excess water on roads and properties. Take preventive measures by removing excess snow, clearing foundations, and ensuring proper drainage. Please drive and walk cautiously during icy conditions.

Power Outages

Power outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds that damage power lines and equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the electric power system. During a power outage, you may be left without heating/air conditioning, lighting, hot water, or even running water. If you only have a cordless phone, you will also be left without phone service. You can greatly lessen the impact of a power outage by taking the time to prepare in advance. Learn how to prepare for blackouts here.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” because it is an invisible, tasteless, and odourless gas that can be deadly. CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil, or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices. Learn more about CO safety here.

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
Test CO alarms regularly and check for the devices expiration date.
If the CO Alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window/door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home.
A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a larger amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.
There are over 300 CO-related deaths each year in Canada and more than 200 people are hospitalized per year for CO poisoning.

Safety Alerts: Sign Up Now!

The Town of Conception Bay South’s Resident Alert System is a mass-notification system that allows residents to receive time-sensitive safety alerts via text message, e-mail, or phone call. Sign up for alerts here.