Prepare before the snow falls
Wrenford winters bring heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain. Being ready means you can stay safe and get back on track quickly. Start by signing up for the Wrenford Emergency Alert Network. You will get text messages, emails, or phone calls when severe weather is coming. You can also check the City's Service Alerts page for road closures and snow removal updates.
Build and check your emergency kit
Make sure your household can stay on its own for at least three days. Use the Household Emergency Kit Checklist to gather supplies. Keep your kit in an easy-to-reach spot so everyone knows where it is. Your kit should include:
- At least three days of bottled water and non-perishable food
- A manual can opener and disposable plates and cups
- A first aid kit and your family's prescription medications
- Warm blankets, winter coats, and boots for every person
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries
- A copy of your emergency plan and important documents in a waterproof bag
Plan for power outages and heating
Ice storms and heavy snow can knock out power. If your home loses heat, you need a safe backup plan. Keep a supply of firewood or propane if you use a fireplace or portable heater. Never use a generator or barbecue indoors or in a garage, as they produce deadly carbon monoxide. Install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. If you need assistive alerting devices, the city provides free flashing lights and vibrating pads for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents.
Check on your neighbours
Winter weather hits seniors and people with medical conditions hardest. Sign up for the Senior Emergency Support Line to request a check-in, or ask a neighbour to check on you. You can also help by shovelling a walkway or checking on vulnerable residents in your building or street. If a cold weather alert is issued and the temperature drops below -10°C, the city opens winter warming centres. Alerts will tell you which shelters are open and how to get there.
Clear your property safely
Once the storm passes, follow these rules to keep your street safe:
- Clear your sidewalk within 24 hours. Make sure the snow is piled in the planting strip, not on the street or sidewalk.
- Driveway aprons must be cleared so cars can enter and leave safely.
- Watch for buried curbs and mailboxes. Shovel carefully so you do not damage them.
- Remember the overnight on-street parking ban from December 1 to March 31. Park on a cleared street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. so snowplows can work.
Need help or have questions?
For snow removal schedules, missed collections, or to report a downed power line, call 311 inside the city or 519-555-0100 outside city limits. For emergency medical, fire, or police needs, always call 9-1-1. The Emergency Management team also runs monthly Snow and Ice Preparedness Webinars to review safety tips and alert system updates during the winter season.