Snowmobiling Ice Safety Tips:

As the weather warms up, it’s important to stay safe while snowmobiling. Here are some key tips:

1. Check ice quality & thickness.
2. Avoid unfamiliar paths.
3. Travel during daylight.
4. Wear thermal protection.
5. Avoid slushy/thawed ice & stay away from open water.
6. Never go alone; bring a buddy for safety.
7. Inform someone of your plans.
8. Wear a floatation device & carry a safety kit.

Minimum Ice Thickness for:

• a single person – 4 inches (10 cm)
• a snowmobile or ATV – 5 inches (12 cm)
• a single car – 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
• a vehicle (full-size pick up truck) – 12-15 inches

Drowning Data:

• Two-thirds of ice-related incidents occur on lakes; the rest on rivers.
• Snowmobile incidents often involve open water/ice holes (62%) or thin ice (38%).
• Winter drowning victims are mostly male snowmobilers, but everyone should be cautious around frozen lakes, rivers, and streams.
• Dog rescue incidents often result in owners drowning, while the dogs usually survive.

Ice Smart Tips:

1. Assess ice quality and thickness before venturing out. Even thick ice can be weak.
2. Avoid unfamiliar paths and unknown ice.
3. Travel during daylight on clear hard ice.
4. Wear thermal protection buoyant suits or lifejackets/PFDs over winter clothing.
5. Avoid slushy, thawed, layered, or rotten ice and ice near moving water.
6. Never go alone; bring a buddy for safety.
7. Inform someone of your destination and return time.
8. Carry a personal safety kit with essentials like a lighter, waterproof matches, fire starter, pocketknife, compass, whistle, ice picks, ice staff, rope, and a cellphone.

Stay safe and be ice smart!

Lifesaving Society | Cold Water and Ice

Flood Prevention:

Floods can occur any time of year and can cause significant property damage. Flooding can be caused by rapidly melting snow, ice jams, high water table levels, storm surges, heavy rains, and thunderstorms.

Prepare for a flood by creating an emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your household, including your pets.

Take steps to prevent flooding in your home, such as:

• Extend downspouts 2 meters from your home.
• Shovel snow away from the foundation.
• Seal basement windows and ground-level doors.
• Keep gutters and storm drains clear.
• Remove debris from drainage systems.
• Use permeable paving for sidewalks and driveways.
• Test sump pumps and install a backup power system.
• Install check valves in sewer traps.
• Check your basement for flooding signs and consider a water-sensing alarm.

Stay informed on local news and emergency information by visiting the Town’s Website, Facebook page or by signing up for Telematik for instant messaging via text, email or phone call.

For more information visit:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods

https://www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency