Winter 2024: Be Winter Ready – together we can weather any storm

Kawartha Lakes – Winter has arrived in Kawartha Lakes, blanketing our community in snow and seasonal cheer. As you prepare for the holidays, don’t forget to add winter storm and emergency readiness to your checklist. A little preparation now can make all the difference when winter shows its unpredictable side.

“Our winters are beautiful but can be challenging, especially with unpredictable weather,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “This is a busy time for holiday travel, so it’s essential to plan ahead and be ready for anything. The municipality is taking steps to ensure we’re prepared, but we’re also counting on you. When each household takes the initiative to stay safe, it strengthens our entire community. And in times of need, being prepared means we can step up and help each other.”

Let’s work together to keep Kawartha Lakes safe and resilient this winter. From creating emergency kits to staying informed about road conditions, a few small actions can have a big impact. By doing your part, you’re not just protecting your family—you’re supporting your neighbours and making our community stronger.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s make this winter a season to remember for all the right reasons.

Emergency Management in three simple steps:

1. Know the risks
2. Make a plan
3. Get an emergency kit

Visit Ontario’s Emergency Management webpage to familiarize yourself with the different types of emergencies you may experience and learn what you can do to prepare yourself, your home and your family.

Preparing for Winter Storms

Per the provincial government, winter storms kill more Canadians than tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hurricanes combined.

Take the following steps so you and your household are prepared in the event of a winter storm emergency:

• Build an emergency preparedness kit in case a power outage or winter conditions prevent you from being able to leave your home. Your kit should include items like a flashlight, water, non-perishable food, extra blankets and warm clothes.
• Insure you have a backup supply of need medications in case of any extended emergencies.
• Winterize your home to retain heat by insulating walls and attics, caulking or weather-stripping doors and windows, installing storm windows or cover windows with plastic, and shut off your outdoor water or insulate your outdoor pipes.
• Get heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected once a year. If applicable, insure that your residence’s heating source can last a few days.
• Trim branches hanging over your house or vehicle so they don’t get weighed down with snow and ice.
• Stock up on salt to prevent falls on your driveway or sidewalk.
• Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in good working order.

Preparing for Power Outages and Blackouts

Learn how to prepare for a power outage before it happens and what to do if you lose power in your home. Your household should be prepared for a power outage at any time of the year. To prepare:

• Have an emergency plan. Consider what essentials may be impacted by a loss of power (ex. refrigerated medication or medical equipment that needs power), keep backups and ensure an alternative exit plan if you rely on elevator service.
• Ensure your household’s emergency preparedness kit is stocked to last at least three days.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for your back-up generator and ensure it is professionally installed.
• Use battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Test them all to make sure they are in working order.
• Use surge-protecting power bars for your electronics.
• Before storms, lower your refrigerator and freezer temperatures to protect your food supply in case of a power outage.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times, especially in the winter.

Winter driving tips

The holiday season always brings more traffic to our roads and highways. Be sure to keep these winter driving tips in mind if you have to hit the roads during any kind of winter weather event:

• Put together a winter emergency kit to keep in your vehicle. Your kit should include a charged phone, water and non-perishable food, flashlight, blankets and warm clothes, jumper cables, shovel, traction mats or sand, and candles with a lighter or matches.
• Check the weather forecast, if it looks bad, delay your trip if you can. Visit Municipal511 to view any local road closures. Visit Ontario511 to find out where plows are on provincial highways.
• Clear all ice and snow from your windows, lights, mirrors and roof.
• Slow down and stay in control, many winter collisions happen because drivers are going too fast for the road conditions. Steer and break gently on curves and around corners in slippery conditions. If you do skid, release your brakes and steer in the direction you want to go; be careful not to steer too far though or the car could spin.
• Give extra space. It takes longer to stop on slippery roads, double the two-second rule and make sure there’s extra space between you and other vehicles.
• Focus and stay alert. Don’t drive distracted, put your phone down and focus on the road. Pay attention to the road surface, asphalt in winter should look grey-white. If it looks black and shiny, it could be covered in ice. Keep in mind that shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses freeze earlier than other sections of the road.
• See and be seen. Use your vehicles full lighting system in poor visibility and white out conditions. If conditions become too dangerous, pull over in a safe place and wait for the weather to improve.

Introducing Snow Angels Canada

“What I love about Kawartha Lakes is that we’re a close knit community that takes care of each other. This winter season, be sure to check in on your neighbours regularly and offer help if needed. If you’d like to volunteer your time to help shovel snow for your neighbourhood, be sure to sign up for the Snow Angels Canada program,” said Mayor Elmslie. 

Snow Angels Canada is a community-fueled tool that connects neighbours and their neighbourhoods. If you need help shoveling snow in the winter or if you want to volunteer to help shovel your neighbour’s snow in the winter, be sure to sign up with Snow Angels Canada.

Be notified of Winter Weather and Cold Alerts

We use Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website and app to monitor the weather conditions. Go straight to the source for your local forecast and weather alerts, or download their mobile app, WeatherCAN. You can set the app up to get weather alert notifications for your area and any other saved locations you want.

Staying Connected

Activate your Jump Inbox to be the first to know about municipal news and events. Connect with us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

- 30 -

Media Inquiries

Media are welcome to visit our Media Portal for high resolution images.