Update on Storm Preparedness and Operations

With the severe winter storm forecast to hit the region within the next 24 hours, the Town of Paradise provided the following update on its plans and operations. 

 

The Town is prepared deal with the significant snow fall. All snow clearing equipment is operational and crews are scheduled to work the duration of the storm. In preparation of the severe weather, street widening has been completed, all fire hydrants are cleared and Priority 1 sidewalks have been cleared. 

 

Crews will be working for the duration of the storm, however, the safety of our employees is paramount. Should weather conditions make it unsafe to be on the roads, crews will not complete snow clearing until weather conditions improve and it is safe to return to operations. Should this occure, updates on snow clearing operations will be posted to the Town website and social media pages. Town roads are cleared in priority order and information is available on the Town website (paradise.ca/snowclearing). In the event that emergency crews are required to respond to an incident in the Town, a protocol is in place to assist emergency vehicles. This is coordinated with the Town by the 911 Communication Centre. If you need emergency assistance, please call 911. 

 

With the severe weather forecast, the Town is closing all Town facilities, including the Town Hall and Paradise Double Ice Complex, and cancelling all Town programming for Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18.  Garbage and recycling collection is cancelled for Friday, January 17 (Area 4) and will be collected on Monday, January 20. Information on closures and cancellations for Town facilities and programs will be updated on the Town website at paradise.ca/closures, posted the Town’s social media pages and shared with local media outlets. 

 

Residents are reminded of the Town Winter Parking Ban. No vehicle is permitted to park on any street within the Town from December 1 to March 31, inclusive, between the hours of 1:00 am and 8:00 am, or any time during a snowfall and for twenty four (24) hours thereafter. Vehicles parked on Town roads impede snow clearing operations and Municipal Enforcement Officers will be issuing tickets. When you are clearing your driveway, residents are asked to move their vehicle when snow clearing equipment is on their street. 

 

High winds are expected as part of the weather system and as such, power outages may occur. Residents are advised to have flashlights, other battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries on hand. It is recommended to never use candles. If you have a generators, it should be only be used outdoors and be kept away from windows and doors.  In the event of a pro-longed power outage, the Town will provide a Warming Centre for residents. Information on the activation of the Warming Centre and the details of its operation should it be needed, will be provided on the Town’s website (paradise.ca) and social media pages. 

 

Residents are advised to follow the notices of local authorities (RCMP and RNC) on driving during the winter storm and be prepared for 24-48 hours of severe winter weather. Information on storm preparedness can be found on the Town website at paradise.ca/storminfo.