Winter weather will soon be on the way! Dufferin County is prepared to keep the community safe and County roads clear so that residents and visitors can get where they need to go safely all winter long.

The County Public Works team is responsible for all County roads and some local roads in Dufferin’s eight local municipalities: Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Grand Valley, Melancton, Mono, Mulmur, Orangeville and Shelburne.

In total, Dufferin is responsible for clearing approximately 700 lane kilometres of County roads during each winter weather event.

Dufferin County residents are reminded that everyone has a role to play in keeping the community safe. By following some easy tips, the upcoming season can be safer for all:

• Give snowplows lots of space and do not follow too closely.
• Never try to pass a working snowplow.
• Children should never play in, on or near snowbanks on the sides of roads.

Residents are also reminded that before plows are on County roads, now is the time to check that mailboxes and posts are in good repair. Metal is the preferred material for rural mailboxes and there should be a solid connection from the box to a 6-inch top, and a wood post in good condition. The front of a mailbox must be a minimum of 3 feet off the edge of pavement. Residents are also reminded to clear snow around and upstream from a mailbox and post!

Visit www.dufferincounty.ca for County road winter maintenance updates. Road users can also follow @DufferinRoads and OPP Central Region @OPP_CR on X for road closure notices

Dufferin County encourages residents to avoid travel during winter weather events if possible, but if travel is required, the following safety tips should be followed:

• Clear vehicles of any ice or snow before driving.
• Drive according to weather conditions.  Stay alert, slow down and stay in control. Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• An emergency kit should be kept in all vehicles that includes items like a shovel, blanket, flashlight and more. The County has tips on emergency kits here.
• Ensure all vehicles have properly inflated snow tires.

Power outages may occur because of winter storms. Residents are encouraged to have a 72-hour emergency kit prepared including items like:

• Battery powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Lightweight blankets
• First aid kit
• Nonperishable snacks
• A list of medications

For updates on power outages, residents are encouraged to follow @OvilleHydro and @HydroOne on X. Outages can be reported to Orangeville Hydro at 519-942-8000 and Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235 or at www.hydroone.com.