The provincial government is reminding residents to prepare for this weekend’s winter storm.
The province recommends downloading the SaskAlert app to stay up to date, with critical information on emergencies in real time.
Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency President Marlo Pritchard says emergency response staff and resources are being deployed and are ready to respond if and when they are needed. The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is coordinating with government agencies, utilities and other emergency managers, while the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is also prepared to assist communities when situations exceed capacity or they need extra support.
SaskPower has also ensured that staff and equipment are ready with standby teams in case of outages this weekend. SaskPower does caution that extreme winter storms can sometimes lead to prolonged power outages.
The Ministry of Highways also have crews on standby and are ready to respond to a snow event with 300 snow plows stationed at 75 locations across the province. They also have full stockpiles of salt and sand throughout the province.
The provincial government has also launched the Cold Weather Strategy and says the Ministry of Social Services is working closely with community partners to ensure that everyone has access to safe shelter during the cold weather, and may pay for individuals or families to stay at emergency shelters or hotels in the local or surrounding community. They recommend that the Salvation Army be contacted if emergency services and referrals are needed. They say people will be directed to appropriate shelter supports in Saskatoon. The Salvation Army can be reached at 306-244-6280 or at 338 Avenue C South.
EMERGENCY TIPS BEFORE THE STORM:
- Be prepared for 72 hours during an emergency. Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/spsa to learn how to develop your own emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit.
- Safely store alternative sources of heating fuel, like firewood and propane.
- Consider purchasing and safely installing a portable generator.
- Make sure all animals have shelter, preferably indoors, and that they have a water supply that won t freeze.
- Residents in rural areas should tie a string as a guide between buildings.
EMERGENCY TIPS DURING THE STORM:
- Stay inside as much as possible.
- If you need to go outside during the storm, dress warm and avoid exposing any skin.
- Blowing snow, deteriorating conditions and reduced visibility will make travel difficult. Avoid travelling, but if you have to, ensure you inform your family or friends of your plans, have an emergency car kit (including a food, water, shovel, candles, blankets and a mobile phone).
- When shoveling, take light loads and frequent breaks. Shovel often to avoid snow from accumulating.
- If you see a downed power line or other public safety issues related to power equipment, please contact SaskPower s 24-hour Outage Centre at 306-310-2220. It is critical to stay away from any downed power lines. If you spot one, stay at least 10 metres away and call the outage line or 911 so SaskPower can make it safe as soon as possible.
- The latest outage information can be found at www.saskpower.com or twitter.com/saskpower.
The ministry is also reminding drivers to stay safe on the roads this weekend. Drivers can help keep roads safe by:
- slowing to 60 kilometres per hour when highway equipment or other emergency vehicles are stopped with warning lights in operation;
- staying back and staying safe since snowplows can create mini-blizzards known as the Snow Zone ;
- allowing snowplows sufficient time and space since they will pull over about every 10 kilometres or when safe to do so;
- driving according to weather and road conditions;
- passing only when safe to do so; and
- planning ahead by using the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or calling 511.
