Anticipating the onset of winter, Dufferin County is implementing prompt precautionary steps to uphold resident safety during extreme weather conditions by introducing new emergency support trailers.
Eight trailers, each equipped with supplies for 50 people, including cots, food, blankets, pillows and first aid kits, will be strategically placed in all municipalities across the County. This initiative aims to provide immediate relief during critical situations such as tornadoes, road blockages or residential fires – situations when timely external aid may be difficult to secure.
Living in a region where weather patterns can fluctuate drastically and with three major highways converging in Shelburne, strategies for various possibilities have become essential. “There are ample of organizations available for aid during emergency situations,” observes Dufferin County’s 911 and Preparedness Manager Steve Murphy, “but they tend to be overwhelmed due to the magnitude of tasks at hand.”
This trailblazing initiative at a regional level is the County’s proactive response to several past weather-related emergencies. Wade Mills, Dufferin County Warden, recalls the most recent incident, “It was last Christmas Eve when we had a winter storm. I think we ended up assisting over 40 stranded motorists here in Shelburne alone.”
The presence of these trailers will allow emergency services, such as the fire department, to allocate their resources to other pressing issues. Mills further added, “Every town and township within Dufferin County will have a core group of local volunteers trained for the effective deployment of these trailers.”
Residents living near the planned shelter sites and wishing to volunteer during emergencies are being encouraged to reach out to the Dufferin County Emergency Management Team to contribute to the safety efforts.
