While the temperature may be seasonably mild at this time of year, it’s safe to say winter has already arrived and can turn for the worse at any moment.

The City of Owen Sound is reminding citizens and visitors of some of the best ways to prepare for winter weather and driving, including a social media campaign offering a prize for those who share their emergency vehicle kits. 

To take part in the City’s #BePrepared Emergency Car Kit campaign and have a chance to win a $50 gift card for any business in the River District, share a picture of your own Emergency Car Kit and tag the City’s social media.

More details, as well as more tips on winter safety and building an emergency kit, are available on Owen Sound’s Emergency Planning website.

Winter in Owen Sound can bring sudden storms with ice, large accumulations of snow and whiteout conditions lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days. Don’t be left in the cold:

• Be prepared at home and in your car with an emergency kit. Join the #BePrepared Emergency Car Kit campaign on the City’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
• Keep your vehicle ready for winter with proper maintenance, snow tires, and appropriate supplies on board (including an Emergency Car Kit)
• Subscribe to a weather app on your smartphone for instant weather alerts. Environment Canada or the Weather Network are recommended sources for short and long-term weather conditions
• Subscribe to the City’s social media to learn when a Significant Weather Event has been declared
• Visit Ontario 511 or Municipal 511 for current road conditions
• Do not park on the street until after the snow has been cleared. Remember that vehicles are not permitted to park on City streets from December 1 to March 31 between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m
• Dress accordingly when you are outside, even if just driving somewhere nearby, and regularly check for frostbite
• Remind children not to play in, on or near snowbanks. Drivers are not always able to see children playing near roadways, and stopping distances are usually longer in winter weather

source: media release, CIty of Owen Sound