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WASAGA BEACH |
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COMMUNITY POLICING COMMITTEE |
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WELCOMEWelcome to the Wasaga Beach Community Policing Committee WEB site. We hope this site will provide you with useful information if you either live in the community, or are visiting us. |
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Winter DrivingWinter travel by automobile can be a serious business. Be prepared.HEED THE WARNINGS Local weather offices of Environment Canada issue warnings of impending blizzards, heavy snow, freezing rain or drizzle, cold waves and winds. KNOW THE HAZARDS Blizzard The most perilous of winter storms, combining falling, blowing, drifting snow, winds of 40 kilometres per hour or more, visibility less than 1 kilometre, temperatures less than -10°C; duration: six hours or more. Heavy snow Ten centimetres or more in 12 hours, or 15 centimetres or more in 24 hours. Even less in temperate climates. Freezing rain or drizzle An ice storm coating roads, trees, overhead wires, etc. with ice. Cold wave A rapid fall in temperature in a short period, requiring greater-than-normal protective measures. Winds The cause of blizzard conditions, drifting, reduced visibility and wind-chill effects. Black ice Where the road ahead looks like black and shiny asphalt. Shaded areas of the road, bridges and overpasses freeze sooner in cold weather, long after the sun has come out. PREPARE THE CAR INSPECT..... Brakes Cooling System Battery and Electrical System Engine Exhaust System Fuel System Heaters, Defrosters and Wipers Oil and Filter Tires Winter Equipment The following items should cover most situations: - windshield scraper and snow brush; - lightweight shovel; - bag of sand, wire traction mat or other abrasive substance; - large box of facial tissues; - properly inflated spare tire; - wheel wrench and jack; - first aid kit; - flashlight; - flares; - battery jumper cables. |
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Drive DefensivelyWinter driving demands extra caution. Always be ready for the unsafe actions of other drivers and for poor driving conditions. Clear the snow and ice from your car, allow more travel time, leave a greater following distance and know how to deal with icy conditions.PREPARE THE DRIVER If you must drive in bad weather, think caution, plan ahead and make sure you have enough fuel. Try to keep the fuel tank at least half-full. Be alert, well-rested and sober behind the wheel. Check mirrors and environment controls before you start. Don't forget to wear your seat belt and to ensure all children are correctly positioned in appropriate child car seats and booster seats. Children aged 12 and under should ride properly buckled up in the back seat. See and be seen. Clear all snow from the hood, roof, windows and lights. Clear all windows of fog. If visibility becomes poor, find a place to safely pull off the road as soon as possible. It's best to stop at a rest area or exit the roadway and go to a protected area. If the roadside is your only option, pull off the road as far as you can. Other drivers frequently strike vehicles parked at the side of the road. In reduced visibility, you should make sure your emergency flashers are on to alert other drivers. Check weather and travel conditions before heading out. Give yourself extra time for travel and, if weather is bad, wait for conditions to improve. Plan your route and let someone know which way you'll be travelling, your destination and expected arrival time, especially when driving long distances. If you don't turn up after a reasonable delay, people will know where to search for you. If the going gets tough, turn back or seek refuge. Try to keep to the main roads and drive with caution, measuring your speed to road and weather conditions. Avoid passing another vehicle, if possible, when weather and road conditions are bad. Wear warm clothes that do not restrict movement. It's a good idea to take a cellphone with you. It can be very valuable, especially in an emergency or if you need help. But don't talk and drive. Drivers should not use a cellphone while the vehicle is in motion. Let a passenger call for you or pull over to a safe spot to place a call for assistance. If you get trapped in a storm or snow-bank, don't panic! Avoid overexertion and exposure. Shovelling and bitter cold can kill. Stay in your car. You won't get lost and you'll have shelter. Keep fresh air in your car. Open a window on the side sheltered from the wind. Run your motor sparingly. Beware of exhaust fumes and the possibility of carbon monoxide. Ensure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow. Use the candle for heat, instead of the car's heater, if possible. Set out a warning light or flares. Put on the dome light. Overuse of headlights may run your battery down. Exercise your limbs vigorously. Keep moving and don't fall asleep. Keep watch for traffic or searchers. Wear a hat, as you can lose up to 60 percent of your body heat through your head. |
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Last modified: January 19/12 |