Port Colborne urges caution and preparedness as storm approaches

PORT COLBORNE, Oct. 29, 2012 -    As Port Colborne prepares for storm activity tonight and into tomorrow morning, all residents are encouraged to:

• Keep well away from streams, ditches and creeks as banks may be slippery and unstable. Everyone should stay away from shorelines and waterways. 
• Be aware of increased risk of water over roads and drive with extreme care at night. The Niagara Regional Police Service encourages the public to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
• Use extreme caution around catch basins and storm drains. Call Public Works at 905-835-5079 to report blocked catch basins or storm drains during the storm.
• Assist where safe with removing leaves from small catch basins and small storm drains on municipal property to allow for easy flow of water.
• Ensure that households have water and supplies for a 72 hour period, including water and battery powered radios.
• Place garbage and recycling for collection at the curb side tomorrow morning, not tonight. If trees and tree limbs have fallen overnight, anticipate delays in garbage collection.  Call the Niagara Region's waste info line at 905-356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542 for the latest information on garbage and recycling collection. 
•  In the event of a power outage, please treat all intersections as a four-way stop.

Storm conditions could lead to downed trees, power outages and flooding.  Keep up-to-date on the storm's progress to avoid roads and intersections that may be blocked. 

Hydro crews, municipal and Regional road crews and tree removal crews will be on hand to monitor and address storm damage as it occurs. Drive slowly and with caution when approaching these vehicles.

Report power outages to Canadian Niagara Power at 905-835-0051. Please do not call 9-1-1 or emergency numbers to report power outages or to inquire about the storm. 

Depending on the storm's impact, emergency response officials will assess the need for shelters.

For general inquiries about storm preparedness and response, please call 211. Please keep your radios tuned to 610 CKTB or Giant 91.7 for further updates.

Also, visit our website and the Region's website for emergency services and updates.