Environment Canada has issued a warning of mixed precipitation of ice pellets and freezing rain for Markham and the surrounding areas starting Wednesday, February 6 with periods of freezing drizzle expected to continue through to Thursday morning.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Ice build-up could cause tree branches to break and utility outages to occur. Please exercise caution and be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.
City Operations continues to monitor the weather and road conditions 24/7 and are ready to mobilize as required to meet Council approved service levels. Track the progress of road and sidewalk plows in Markham by visiting our website.
If you experience a power outage or want Alectra updates, please access Alectra's Twitter channel @AlectraNews, download their mobile app or visit the outage map at www.alectrautilities.com. To report outages or receive updates on restoration times call 1-877-963-6900.
The City of Markham reminds residents that it is important for families and individuals to prepare to take care of themselves and check on vulnerable family and neighbours. Prepare you family Home Emergency Preparedness Kit. A basic kit should include the following:
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Water - 4 litres per person, per day (2 litres for drinking and 2 litres for sanitation and food preparation)
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Non-perishable food i.e. canned food, dried food, energy bars
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Manual can opener
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Wind up or battery powered radio and flashlight
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First aid kit
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Extra keys for home and car
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Cash in small bills and change
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Change of clothes
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Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
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Special items such as prescription medication, infant formula, etc.
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Ensure you charge up your electronic devices in advance of the storm
Call Markham's Contact Centre to report any tree issues or other municipal service needs at 905.477.7000 and be sure to tune into Markham's local radio station, 105.9FM The Region for current information.
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Stay safe during winter weather:
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Call or visit vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated seniors and ensure they have proper supplies to stay warm and dry.
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Winter driving has its own challenges. An emergency car kit can help. Important items to include are a cell phone charger, flashlight, blankets and sand bags, snacks, shovel, booster cables, and towing company numbers.
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Seek shelter or local warming centre:
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Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Consider rescheduling or limiting time outdoors, especially if it is windy.
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Under the Community Investment Strategy (CIS), York Region provides funding to Inn From the Cold Emergency Winter Shelter, and Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold Program.
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During the coldest months of the year, both of these programs provide emergency overnight shelter, clothing and meals to adults 18 years of age and over.
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For more information about Inn From The Cold, visit innfromthecold.ca or call 904.895.8889.
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For more information about the Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold Program, call 416.948.6682 or toll free 1.877.338.3398.
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York Region also funds the York Region Street Outreach Van, operated by Loft/Crosslinks. The van is a mobile service that travels throughout York Region, providing assistance to homeless and at-risk individuals. The van staff provides sleeping bags, warm clothes and referrals to shelter programs. The van operates seven days a week from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To schedule a meeting place and time with the Street Outreach Van, individuals can call 1.866.553.4053.
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Warming Centres Available at Markham Community Centres & Libraries:
• Aaniin Community Centre & Library, 5665 14th Ave
• Angus Glen Community Centre & Library, 3990 Major Mackenzie Drive East
• Armadale Community Centre, 2401 Denison Street
• Cornell Community Centre & Library, 3201 Bur Oak Avenue
• Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library, 7600 Kennedy Road
• Thornhill Community Centre & Library, 7755 Bayview Avenue
• Centennial Community Centre, 8600 McCowan Road
• Markham Village Library, 6031 Hwy 7
• Unionville Library, 15 Library Lane
For a complete list of facilities and hours of operation, visit markham.ca.
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit markham.ca/AreYouPrepared
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