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Check out the updated Emergency Preparedness Guide provided by Hastings County. Emergency Preparedness Week is coming up during the first week of May, but it’s never too early to review and ensure you’re as read for and emergency as possible! You can preview and download your own copy here.

As of this Monday April 1st, the Open Air Burning Season is in effect. This means that there is to be no burning or outside fires between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Burn Barrels
• Incinerators
• Brush Piles
• Yard Waste
• Camp Fires

Please ensure any fires during the approved times are never left unattended, are completely extinguished before leaving, and that any ashes are completely extinguished and cooled prior to dumping.

Also keep in mind that Total Fire Bans can be implemented by your local Fire Departments at any time during the season due to weather and dry conditions. If conditions become extreme, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry retains the authority to implement a Restricted Fire Zone within and around the municipality which bans all fires including those for cooking, warmth and solid fueled heating appliances.

Just a friendly reminder that with the time change this Sunday it is the perfect time to double check the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms! If your alarm uses replaceable batteries, even if they are just back ups for hardwired units, it is a good idea put in fresh new ones, even if they aren’t that old (you can always keep the old batteries and use them in your TV remotes). Make sure you test your alarms once you install new batteries to ensure there is a good electrical connection. If your alarms use built-in lifetime batteries, you should still test your alarms and double check their expiry dates to ensure they are up to date and working properly! Remember, smoke and CO alarms expire after 10 years from their date of manufacture.