Tips to Prepare for Inclement Weather

March 28, 2025 

With freezing rain in the forecast, the Town of Greater Napanee would like to remind residents to use extra caution and to be prepared in the event of an emergency. 

Ice Storms:

Freezing rain occurs when raindrops fall from a warm layer of air into air that is below freezing and become supercool. When the supercooled droplets strike a surface below 0°C  they instantly freeze, forming a layer of ice.

Safety Tips: 

• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Wear layers of lightweight clothing, mittens and a hat (preferably one that covers your ears).
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to keep from slipping on ice and snow.
• Regularly check for frostbite - numbness or white areas on your face and body (ears, nose, cheeks, hands and feet in particular).
• Bring pets inside and move livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Preparing for Power Outages: 

• Verify if power is still on elsewhere. Check your electrical panel and speak with your neighbours.
• Outages can be reported by texting 92887 (WATTS), through the Hydro One outage map and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235. Outage tools are updated every 10 minutes as updates come in from the crews on the ground.
• Keep yourself, children and pets at least 10 metres away from any downed power lines - even wires that have been down for several days could still be live.

During a Power Outage: 

• Turn off and unplug appliances and electronics, except for your refrigerator and freezer.
• Turn down heating/cooling systems to the minimum to prevent damage when power is restored.
• Keep one light on inside to alert you when power is restored.
• Keep one light on outside to alert utility workers when power is restored.
• Only use portable space heaters that are designed for indoor use.
• Use a natural gas fireplace to provide warmth, if available and necessary.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven as a heat source - it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not use charcoal or gas barbeques, camping stoves, or home generators indoors. The exhaust from these items create carbon monoxide or smoke which is dangerous and can be fatal.
• If your home is too cold or too hot, and it is safe to leave, go to an alternative location until it is safe to return.

Food and Water:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed while the power is out. If possible, monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
• Stick to non-perishable foods as much as possible.
• Keep a storage of water as part of your emergency preparedness kit.
• If possible, fill your bathtub with water to use it to flush your toilet during the outage.
• If you rely on a well water system, use a backup generator to supply power to the pump.

Prepare Ahead of Forecasted Inclement Weather:

Take the following steps so you and your household are prepared in the event of an 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
• Stock up on salt to prevent falls on your driveway or sidewalk.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in good working order.