Emergency Preparedness

Various weather events can occur starting early Spring and continue through until later September. Those events include: heavy rainfall; high winds; thunderstorms; lightning; hail; and tornadoes.

How Can You Prepare?

• Check your indoor supplies (e.g. drinking water; non-perishable food; non-electric can opener, prescription medications, first aid kit, flashlights and batteries etc.)
• Trimming dead tree branches and trees that may threaten to strike your house
• Tie down or store outdoor furniture, lawn ornaments, garbage cans and other loose objects that may blow around in the wind
• Check that the drainage around your home will not cause flooding
• Know how to safely shut off your utilities if the potential for flooding exists
• Draw blinds and shades over the windows in your home to minimize the damage if the glass shatters
• Make sure electronic devices are charged and vehicles/equipment fueled
• Check on friends and neighbours to make sure they are safe and prepared

What Do You Do During a Storm?

• Listen to your local radio station for the most up-to-date storm information
• Take shelter in a basement, crawlspace, closet, under a staircase or in a central bathroom
• Stay away from outside walls, windows and doors
• If caught outside, immediately take shelter in a building or vehicle
• Never approach downed power lines
• Avoid crossing bridges where the water flow is high or fast
• Drive with caution – traffic lights and street lighting may not be working

After the Storm

• Check your house and property for significant damage
• Take photos of any damage
• Contact your insurance company

Heavy snowfall can greatly reduce visibility, create hazardous road conditions, and knock down trees and power lines.

Blowing snow is snow driven by wind, reducing visibility and causing deep drifts which can impede transportation and make driving dangerous. Snow drifts can also make it difficult for people to leave their homes or get out of their driveways.

A snow squall is a sudden, moderately heavy snowfall characterized by blowing snow and strong, gusty winds that reduce visibility. Intense but very localized, snow squalls usually last for a relatively short period of time.

A blizzard is generally characterized by strong winds and heavy or blowing snow that can cause low to no visibility.

Prepare in Advance

• Stay indoors
• Keep children and pets indoors
• Drive only if absolutely necessary
• Listen for weather updates and OPP reports of road closures
• Walk carefully on snow and ice covered walkways and sidewalks
• Avoid over-exertion when shovelling
• Stay dry

If you live or work near a body of water, you need to be aware if the area is subject to annual flooding and what measures you need to take when flooding does happen.

Ontario Flood Strategy 

Before a Flood

• Know the risk of flooding in your area
• Move valuables to higher levels
• Talk to your insurance agent or broker to find out what is covered under your policy
• Make sure you are flood ready, visit the Government of Canada website to find out how you can protect your property

During High Water Periods or Flooding

• Keep children, pets and farm animals away from fast flowing water
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
• Don't drive on roads covered in water
• Vacate your property if advised to do so

After a Flood

• Check your property and house for damage and make sure that it is safe to return to your home.
• Contact your insurance company
• Check out the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Program

If you are planning on being outdoors you should be prepared to deal with a variety of weather from extreme heat to extreme cold, very rainy days or very dry days. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can pose a significant risk for many residents, especially those who are most vulnerable. Some of those most at risk include:

• Infants and young children
• People with chronic medical conditions
• People on certain types of medication
• People with limited mobility
• Outdoor workers

Extreme Heat

• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Make sure your pets have plenty of water and aren't suffering from the heat

Extreme Cold

• Dress warmly and cover exposed skin – frostbite can occur in as little as 30 seconds
• Stay dry – wet clothing will chill the body rapidly and excess sweating will increase heat loss
• Keep children inside
• Don't forget about your pets and companion animals – if it is too cold outside for you, it's too cold for them

Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for more extreme cold weather information.

Protect Yourself and Your Home

• Remove any fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried out branches, leaves and debris.
• If you are on a farm/ranch, sheltering livestock may be the wrong thing to do because a wildfire could trap animals inside. Leaving animals unsheltered is preferable, or if time and personal safety permits, evacuation away from the danger zone should be considered.
• Know and practice your primary escape route, as well as multiple routes out of your community. Remember that evacuation routes can be impacted by the wildfire.
• Learn how to turn off the utilities in your residence. You may be instructed by local authorities to shut them off.
• Make sure that your vehicle has enough fuel. If evacuation becomes necessary, it will be hard to stop for gas. Depending on your region or the distance that you might need to drive, you may want to purchase additional approved gas cans.
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to see if they require assistance.
• Ensure pets are included in your evacuation plans.
• Landscaping Tips - When you are planning to make improvements to your property be sure to check out the tips at  Fire Smart Canada
• STAY INFORMED! Follow local media, emergency professional social media and subscribe to Voyent! Alert to keep yourself up to date with the most reliable information.

Open Air Burning and the Fire Danger Rating

For information on the open air burning rules or the fire danger rating, visit the Gravenhurst Fire Department's page.