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Thursday, D ecem ber 11, 2014 - The IFP - H alton H ills - w w w .theifp.ca Page 7905-877-3100 www.Brooks Heating and Air.ca No Electricity, No Problem... Let your new Gas Fireplace or Stove keep you warm & toasty this Holiday Season Call us today to ensure installation before Christmas! REFINANCING? PURCHASING? BOBWOODS, Broker (905) 877-1490 360 Guelph St., Georgetown Five Year Variable FSCO #10259 Division of 1490845 Ont. Ltd. 2.3% • Truck Accessories • Upholstery • Heavy Equipment Glass •Window Tinting 354 Guelph Street, Georgetown 905-873-1655 We handle all insurance work. The way we were SILVER CREEK: Nearly unrecognizable as the entire valley has since been re-engineered, this winter wonderland from 1950 is the bridge over Silver Creek at Wildwood. Photo courtesy of the Esquesing Historical Society; Text by Heritage Halton Hills Winter's beauty FROM OUR READERS 'Quote unquote' As winter approaches it's time to have a safety plan Many Halton residents will remember last December's ice storm, which left hundreds of homes without power for hours-- some for days-- over the holi- day season. Weather emergencies can happen at any time and with winter now on its way, it's important to get ready. At Halton Region, the safety of our community comes first. We work closely with our community partners every day to develop and practice our emergency plans, and continually improve how we can respond effectively in the event of an emergency. We work with each local municipality, Halton Regional Police Service, local fire departments and our Paramed- ic Services to ensure when the time comes, we have processes in place for an efficient, co-ordinated response. The best thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property is to plan ahead. So whether you are at home or trav- elling in your car, we recommend three important steps: • Know the risks. • Make a plan. • Get a kit. When you know the risks of what a weather event can bring, it is easier to prepare. For example, if there is a cold alert, the risks of getting frostbite or cold-related illness are increased. You can then plan to wear appropriate clothing or stay indoors to help protect yourself. Making a home emergency plan is an important next step to prepare. For example, talk with your family and fig- ure out how you might evacuate your home if you needed to. You should also determine how you would "shelter-in-place" if you could not leave your home. The last step is to get or assemble an emergency kit that will ensure you can be self-sufficient through the first 72 hours of any emergency. You can purchase one from Halton Region, or put one together yourself. You can get the complete list of what you'll need from Halton.ca/bepre- pared. Don't forget that each of these steps is important for when you are travelling in your car as well. Know the conditions before you leave and al- ways tell someone your route of travel. Carry a car survival kit with you as well. We want you to be safe this winter, whether you live in an urban area or a rural one. That's why we're sending Halton Region's Personal Emergency Pre- paredness Guide to Halton residents. It includes local emergency contact numbers, how to make a plan, check- lists and more. We hope you will use it and keep it as a reference in the event of an emer- gency. For even more information, visit www.halton.ca/beprepared where you'll find pages specific to the rural community, different emergency sce- narios, severe weather tips etc. You can also sign up for email no- tices for cold alerts at www.halton.ca/ coldalert. Enjoy the winter and stay safe and warm. -- Gary Carr is the Regional Chair COMMENT Gary Carr Simone Garland of Georgetown sent in this photo of Hungry Hollow. Got a photo you want to share? Email -- with details -- to cgamble@theifp.ca 'It's scary sometimes to be out changing a tire at the side of the road' --Debbie Layton, pg. 27