Gravenhurst fire warns residents to be prepared for severe weather

Last year's severe weather led to road and highway closures for several days

Gravenhurst Fire Department alerted of community winter preparedness measures, in the December 16, 2025, Council meeting.

Staff indicated that communication has been ongoing with the Town’s Engineering and Public Works Department, the OPP, Paramedics, MTO, and Fowler Construction (who maintain the highway 11 corridor), since last year’s severe winter events, “so we don’t run into what we rant into last year…a closed highway for multiple days.”

They advised that preparedness is key, especially given that last year “was quite a comedy of tragedies.”

The confirmed that operations preparedness includes staff training the past several weeks to get familiar with routes, equipment ready and replacements received (planned since 2023).

Deputy Chief, Todd Clapp, confirmed that planning will help with future events and that the department have been conducting local seminars to help the community with preparedness. Some of his suggestions are as follows:

Subscribe to winter weather alerts and “heed advice of forecasters,” such as not travelling if you don’t have to.

911 is to be used for emergencies only.

Prepare your home by monitoring generators and snow removal equipment ahead of time, versus waiting for an event “to see if it’s working.” He added that “generators are not designed to run for as long as they did [during last year’s weather events]” and require ongoing maintenance.

Do not use generators and barbecues indoors, including garages “causing carbon monoxide at dangerous levels in homes.”

Ensure chimneys for fireplaces and wood stoves are swept annually.

Clapp also warned to be mindful of fuel accessibility as “it’s not as accessible as we hoped.” This includes filling propane tanks and jerrycans.

Remove snow regularly rather than wait until the end of a heavy snowfall because “it’s easier on the equipment.”

Ensure appliance vents are cleaned for air and exhaust flow.

Have emergency kits or supplies at home and in vehicles that will last longer than the previously thought 72 hours, which includes food, water, medication, battery power for smart devices, first aid kits, documents or copies available for easy access (i.e. pictures of insurance, driver’s licence, health card, etc. on your phone).

You can also add items like blankets, booster cables, alert vests, and traction pads, in your vehicles.

Clapp continued about the importance of communities coming together. He advised, “check on a neighbour to be kind. It’s difficult for everyone. We’re all doing our best. The more we help each other the better our communities.”