A Different Guelph Storm Altogether

The city has issued an information bulletin to all residents regarding the inevitable nasty weather that's moving towards us. Some basic stuff, but sometimes in these situations, the basics fall by the wayside.

Scroll down to get the lowdown from the City of Guelph staff. And be careful out there.

GUELPH, ON, October 29, 2012 – Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather expected to begin this evening; use caution around waterways, downed trees and hydro wires.

According to Environment Canada Hurricane Sandy is expected to affect parts of Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes over the next few days and may cause heavy rainfall, high winds and snow.

Residents are asked to help keep leaves and debris out of roads, gutters and drains to help prevent flooding, secure outdoor patio furniture. The City also recommends avoiding road construction sites including Speedvale Avenue from Stevenson Street to Victoria Road (follow the detour); Victoria Road from MacAlister Boulevard to Arkell Road; and Alice Street.

The City will collect waste as scheduled tomorrow, and residents are asked to place bags at the curb tomorrow morning rather than this evening and keep lighter bags (shredded paper, Styrofoam etc.) until their next scheduled collection day.

The City, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, along with the Canadian Red Cross ask residents to be prepared to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours in any emergency that may cause power outages. Families are encouraged to create an emergency kit in a suitcase with wheels or backpack including:

• An emergency plan – include a copy and ensure it contains local and out-of-area contact information
• Water – two litres of water per person, per day (include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order)
• Food that won’t spoil - canned or dried food and energy bars
• Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit 
• Blankets 
• Manual can opener 
• Candles and matches or lighter 
• Special needs items – prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities 
• Extra keys for your car and house 
• Cash – include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travelers’ cheques are also useful) and change for pay phones

More information is available at guelph.ca/emergency  or by calling 519-822-1260.