Hazards in Huron-Kinloss

Flooding can occur as a result of heavy rainfall or due to snow melting in the spring. Some areas in the Township of Huron-Kinloss are more likely to flood, especially near rivers and low-lying land. Flooding can make roads and bridges unsafe to use or impossible to cross. 

Preparedness Tips:

• Stay updated by checking Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority’s websites for information on flood outlooks, advisories, and warnings.

• Prepare your home by clearing eavestroughs, have a battery back up for sump pumps, and work with professionals to fix any cracks in your home’s foundation. 

• Move important documents, valuables, chemicals, electronics to higher levels in your home.

• Have an emergency kit ready in case you need to leave your house quickly.

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Resources:

Maitland Valley Conservation Authority

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

Emergency Kit and Information Checklist

A fire emergency happens when something burns in an uncontrolled way, causing damage. An explosion is a sudden release of pressure or gas that can result in fire and damages. Fires and explosions can happen outdoors or inside buildings like businesses or homes.

Help Prevent Fires By:

• Never leaving a stove or oven unattended.

• Put out and dispose of cigarette butts properly.

• Make sure electrical wiring is not faulty or damaged.

• Store gasoline, fuels, or pressurized gasses correctly.

• Clearing vents and chimney pipes regularly.

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.

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Preparedness Tips:

• Create an evacuation plan for your household or business.

• Decide on a safe meeting point outside.

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Resources:

• Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
• FireSmart
• Reducing the Risk of Fire on Your Farm
• Farm Fire Prevention Video 
• Electrical Safety Authority
• Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Ice storms occur when freezing rain coats surfaces with ice, damaging trees, power lines, and roads. Environment Canada can usually forecast freezing rain or ice storm events days in advance, leaving time to prepare. 

Preparedness Tips:

• Avoid unnecessary travel due to poor driving conditions and road closures.

• Prepare for power outages and consider having a back up generator available.

• If you are in your car during an ice storm event, make sure to keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle and have extra fuel available.

• Stay away from downed power lines, trees, and hanging wires.

• Have an Emergency Kit prepared with enough non-perishable food and water for everyone in your home.

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Resources:

WeatherCAN App

Emergency Kit and Information Checklist

Tornadoes are powerful, rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms to the ground. Although rare, strong downbursts and EF-0 tornadoes have occurred in the Township of Huron-Kinloss. They are often accompanied by severe thunderstorms and large hail. Signs of a possible tornado include dark skies with a green or yellow tint, a loud roaring sound like a freight train, or a visible funnel cloud. The strong winds from tornadoes or downbursts can result in property damage, overturned trees, and downed power lines. Tornado watches and warnings are issued by Environment Canada, in the event of severe weather be sure to stay aware of changing conditions and check for any updates.

Preparedness Tips:

• Seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued or if you spot the potential signs of a tornado. Shelter away from windows and doors, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and go to a basement if possible. Stay sheltered until the tornado warning is lifted.

• Vehicles are not a safe place to shelter during a tornado, seek shelter indoors if possible.

• Stay informed through social media, tv news channels, and radio stations for updates.

• Have an Emergency Kit prepared with enough non-perishable food and water for everyone in your home. 
  

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Resources:

WeatherCAN App

Northern Tornadoes Project

Emergency Kit and Information Checklist

Winter storms are common in the Township of Huron-Kinloss. Snowstorms can bring heavy snow, strong winds, and poor visibility. Severe winter storms can cause power outages, road closures, and severely impact travel conditions. Environment Canada issues winter weather advisories, snowstorm and blizzard watches, and snowstorm and blizzard warnings as required by conditions. Most winter storms are forecasted several days in advance, leaving time to prepare for the incoming weather event.

Preparedness Tips:

• Do not drive or travel during snowstorms and blizzards, as poor visibility creates an increased driving risk and often results in road closures.

• If travel is necessary, check road conditions for your route before leaving.

• Make sure you have winter supplies ready such as shovels, salt or sand, batteries for flashlights and crank radios, and generator fuel.

• Keep an emergency kit in your car and make sure your gas tank is full before the severe weather arrives.

• If your vehicle gets stuck during a winter storm event, stay inside the vehicle if it is safe and call emergency services or road safety services for help.

• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and avoid exposure.

• Have an Emergency Kit prepared with enough non-perishable food and water for everyone in your home.

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Resources:

WeatherCAN App

Municipal 511

Bruce County Roads

Emergency Kit and Information Checklist

A heat wave occurs when temperatures stay very high for at least two days and there is little cooling in temperature overnight. Environment Canada will issue heat warnings as needed. Public facilities such as libraries, community centres, and arenas are available as places to cool down.

Preparedness Tips:

• Anyone can develop heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, be sure to know the signs and symptoms.

• Prevent heat-related illnesses by drinking cool liquids, wearing loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing, and protect yourself from sun exposure with an umbrella or large-brimmed hat.

• If you have existing health conditions, check with your pharmacist if any of your medications put you at an increased risk for heat-related illness.

• Never leave pets or people in vehicles, even for a minute.

• Check in on neighbours, especially children and the elderly who may be more susceptible to heat-related illness.

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Resources:

WeatherCAN App

Weather Relief Centres

Ontario 2-1-1

Energy Supply Emergencies happen with electricity or energy services are disrupted and result in power outages. This can be a result of severe weather, or a problem with the power grid. Power outages can impact communication systems, be sure to have a crank-radio to receive important updates on the outage. If a power outage is likely to last for a longer duration, the Township of Huron-Kinloss will provide food, lodging, and warming centres as necessary for affected residents.

Preparedness Tips:

• Keep trees on your property trimmed to prevent limbs falling onto power lines.

• Consider installing a back up generator in your home.

• Stay informed through social media, tv news channels, and radio stations for updates on the water disruption.

• Have an Emergency Kit prepared with enough non-perishable food and water for everyone in your home.

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Resources:

Westario Power

Hydro One

Emergency Kit and Information Checklist

Water disruptions occur when water treatment or distribution systems stop working properly, and can be caused by equipment failure, severe weather, or infrastructure damage. This can affect drinking water, wastewater systems, healthcare services, and electrical services.

Preparedness Tips:

• Have an Emergency Kit prepared with enough non-perishable food and water for everyone in your home. 

• Stay informed through social media, tv news channels, and radio stations for updates on the water disruption.

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Resources:

Huron-Kinloss Water Information

Grey-Bruce Private Drinking Water Information

Emergency Kit and Information Checklist

Hazardous Material Incidents can occur when dangerous substances are mishandled, spilled, released, or explode. Hazardous materials can include chemicals, flammable substances, pesticides, fuel, and radioactive materials. Contact, inhalation, ingestion, or contamination from these materials can result in injury, environmental damage, or water supply contamination.

Preparedness Tips:

• Stay as far away from the incident area as possible

• Avoid contact with any unknown substances

• Notify emergency services if you believe there may be a hazardous material incident, notice a chemical spill, or smell unusual chemicals.

• Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or problems breathing.

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Resources:

Spill Action Centre