Hazardous conditions on and around bodies of water
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is reminding residents of the dangers that exist near rivers, streams, ponds and lakes this time of year and urging people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways. Melting snow combined with spring rainfall and frozen ground that is less able to absorb water can lead to higher and faster flowing water and unstable ice conditions.
Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:
- Keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
- Unless an area is officially sanctioned for it, avoid all recreational activities on or around water and ice, especially near ice jams.
- Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered water or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
- If you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them if water levels rise.
- Avoid walking close to or across riverbanks, shorelines and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. Riverbanks and shorelines can be slippery and unstable due to snowmelt and erosion.
- Rescuing a person or pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 9-1-1 for help immediately.
- Stay informed with the Alertable app. Alertable is a Canadian public emergency alert system that offers CVC flood alerts in real-time, right to your mobile device. It’s free via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Know who to contact during a flood emergency.
CVC continues to monitor the Credit River watershed for potential flooding through the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will continue to monitor watershed conditions throughout the transition to spring.
Continue reading Spring Safety Message: Be Careful Near Waterways