City Urges Residents to Prepare for Hurrican Sandy

Web posted on October 29, 2012

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

To report a flood to the City of Guelph
Business hours: 519-837-5628
After hours: 1-866-630-9242

To report a power outage to Guelph Hydro
Business hours: 519-822-3010
After hours: 519-822-3014

Report downed power lines to Guelph Police, Fire and Emergency Services call 911

Non-emergency calls
City of Guelph programs and services: 519-822-1260
Ontario 211 24-hour multilingual information and referral service: 211


Related Stories
• Many without Power - (October 30, 2012 )
• City of Guelph Hurrican Sandy Damage Update - (October 30, 2012 )

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