CONMEE EMERGENCY SERVICES
Winter Driving Tips
Winter, with its hazardous driving conditions results in many call-outs for Emergency Services. Many of these accidents are a result of driving too fast for road conditions and in many cases there has been little or no preparation for winter driving. Conmee Emergency Services suggests the following:
- Be prepared for the unexpected emergency...always carry a First Aid Kit, map, ice scraper, snow brush, matches, candles, flashlight, warning triangles, flares, tow and battery jumping cables, folding shovel, a bag of sand, a blanket, winter gloves, cell phone if you have one, and an emergency HELP sign that you can put in the back window.
- A blanket is a good idea - just in case. If you have any winter clothes you don't wear anymore, especially an old pair of boots, throw them in.
- Keep all your cars windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow.
- Take an extra minute to clear all the snow and ice from your car. This will help avoid sheets of ice flying off the car and hitting the car behind you. Check that headlamps, turn signals, and tail lights are unobstructed by snow and ice.
- Clear off the entire car, not just a peep hole in the windshield. First of all you need just as much if not more visibility in poor conditions. Make sure every glass surface is clear and transparent by using a snowbrush and/or ice scraper. Your side view mirrors and all lights should be brushed and cleared as well.
- Install snow tires on all four wheels. Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
- Add gas line anti-freeze to the fuel tank when refuelling in extremely cold weather.
- Always keep your gas tank more than half full. In the winter if you do get stuck or stranded, the engine will be your only source of heat. And you don't want to worry about conserving fuel and saving the planet right at that moment...you want to stay warm. (and make sure you keep a window open a crack if you're sitting there with the engine running.) The other reason for keeping the tank full is that warm daytime temperatures will fill the empty space in the tank with moisture, which will condense in the cold night. The water will sink to the bottom and, sooner or later, rust out your tank.
- Make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape. Winter wipers - with the rubber coverings that keep ice from collecting on the blade - have become very popular. They're great in the winter, but make sure you take them off in the spring. Winter wipers are very heavy and if you use them all summer you will eventually wear out the wiper motor.
- Check your windshield washer fluid level. On a snowy or messy day you can easily go through two or three litres of fluid. It's also a good idea to keep some extra in the trunk in case you run out. And make sure you get the good stuff!
- Check engine oil, especially before long trips. Cars use more oil in the winter and so you should check your levels more often. Use your manufacturer's suggested grade of oil.
- Keep battery terminals clean, tight, free of corrosion and dry.
- Check tire pressure, tire condition and spare tire regularly. Tires lose on average 1 pound of pressure a month through normal leakage.
Winter Driving Tips will be continued in the next newsletter....
2007 RURAL CHRISTMAS CHEER CAMPAIGN
The Township of Conmee is once again joining the other rural Townships and the Rural Food Bank to supply Christmas Cheer Baskets to residents in our Townships. The baskets contain enough food for a family for a week, including a turkey and ham and all the fixings for Christmas Dinner. We also supply small gifts to the children 17 years of age and under.
Again this year, there will be a Christmas Tree in the Conmee Municipal Office with tags for the boys and girls. Tags will be available starting November 13th. We ask that you pick up a tag, purchase a gift suitable for the age group, and return the unwrapped gift to the Municipal Office by December 13th. If you wish to include flat wrapping paper or gift bag, that would be appreciated. Gifts are left unwrapped so that parents can decide on the suitability of the gift for their child. Wrapping paper is included so that the parents can then wrap the gift.
Each year we have many tags left over because they are for children aged 13 to 17. The most common reason those tags are left is that no one is sure what to buy for that age group. We all know teenagers have very specific tastes! A suggestion is to purchase gift certificates. Gift certificates from Intercity would give the recipients a wide variety of stores to choose from. If you decide to purchase a gift, how about asking for a gift receipt? That way if it is not suitable, it could be exchanged.
We will also happily accept any non-perishable food items you wish to donate. Food is collected from the schools and from the Townships. We also purchase food.
Of course, monetary donations are always welcome. Tax receipts are available for any donation over $20.00. Money is used to purchase necessary food items to ensure that everyone gets enough.
The Christmas Cheer Committee prepared 134 baskets last year, sending them to needy rural residents from Shebandowan to Pearl. For some people, this is all the Christmas they get.
The Committee extends their appreciation to all those who helped out last year, and we hope we can count on your support again this year. Unfortunately there seems to be more and more people needing our help every year.
If you need a Christmas Basket this year, please contact the Municipal Office at 475-5229. All recipient's names are kept confidential. If you would like any additional information about Christmas Cheer, please don't hesitate to contact us.
NorWest Community Health Centre - Mobile Unit
The NorWest Community Health Centres Mobile Unit will be providing health care services at the following community locations:
Kakabeka - Dr. Lower's Office - November, 15, December 20
Nolalu - Community Centre - November 5, (Flu) November 21, December 19
O'Connor - Community Centre - November 7 (Flu), December 12
Nurse Practitioner Clinic-Walk-Ins-9:30 to 4:30 pm. RN Foot Care by appointment.
Call 622-8235 for more information or to book an appointment.
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
2008 Explorer Cards are now on sale at the LRCA Office in Thunder Bay. The $25.00 annual pass allows unlimited access to Conservation Areas throughout the year. Anyone who purchases a 2008 Explorer Card will also receive a free ID tag which is suitable for attaching to a backpack, book bag or luggage and a free Discovery Guide containing trail maps for all our Conservation areas. Plus, anyone purchasing an Explorer Card before December 20th, 2007 will receive a 2008 pocket calendar. Pay with VISA, cash or cheque at the office located at 130 Conservation Road, call 344-5857 with your VISA number, or print out an mail an order form from the website at www.lakeheadca.com.
The Lakehead Conservation Authority Foundation 2008 Fundraising Dinner Auction will be held on Thursday, February 7th, at the Valhalla Inn. Tickets can be purchased from any Foundation Member or the LRCA office in Thunder Bay. This event usually sells out so buy your ticket early!
FOR SALE
Quiet Hereford Bull and a 600 Watt Yamaha Generator. Call 475-4077
FOR SALE
Collie pups. Please contact Hazel Dryhorub at 475-7369.
FOR SALE
MEAT RABBITS Government Inspected - Phone 475-4771.
DSR CONTRACTING
Gravel and Floating Services
David Ross
P.O. Box 272
Kakabeka Falls, Ont. P0T 1W0
807-628-6180
807-577-1999
Mile Hill Melodrama is pleased to present....
THE CEMETERY CLUB a play by Ivan Menchell
Shows will be held at the Gillies Community Centre. All tickets are $10.00. For show times and to reserve seating call Kelly at 577-5436.
KAY BEE SENIORS NON PROFIT HOUSING
Seniors Apartments in Kakabeka Falls. Large 1 or 2 bedroom units. Patios and storage rooms. Onsite maintenance, cleaning and security. Rent may be geared to income.
Contact Joe Wood at 475-0313
Conmee Library
March Break Open House
Wed. March 14th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Come join the fun! Cookies, prizes and a chance to give us your input on how we can serve you better. See You There!