News from the Station • By Saina Saedi Kendelati

We are finally seeing some cold winter weather! With these up and down temperatures come great risks and this edition of the News from the Station will be full of winter driving and ice safety tips!

Farewells: Although our team is expanding, we do have to say goodbye to some very valuable and respected members of the SECP team. Even though it saddens us to say goodbye, we wish Mike Fillmore, Zach MacIsaac, Jake Andrews and James Chatten all the best in their future endeavors. Thank you!

Polar Plunge SAT FEBRUARY 3RD: A big thank you goes out to all the SECP Volunteers that took the plunge at this year’s 33rd annual Polar Plunge! We would also like to thank everyone that supported our plungers by donating to such a great cause! 60% of the collection goes back to the SECP team and supports our community efforts. Again thanks to everyone for all of the support and a special thanks to those who braved the icy cold waters of Chemong Lake!

Updates

ROAD WATCH/ SECP DONATION: Just a reminder that the Road Watch program is in effect in the Township of Selwyn. The program allows the public to report other drivers for unsafe driving. Concerned citizens can pick up forms at our Community Policing Office in Bridgenorth as well as at Township libraries and the municipal office; the form can be filled out and deposited in drop-off boxes. You may also call 1-888-310-1122 or visit the ROADWATCH website www.roadwatch.ca to report an unsafe driver. The SECP team has also donated $500 to the ROAD WATCH program for additional signage in the area; please do your part in keeping our roads safe.

SAFETY MESSAGE: We are finally seeing some seasonal temperatures and with that, we would like to give you a couple of tips to keep you safe this winter season!

Winter Driving –

· Make sure your car is safe, regular maintenance and proper tires are key components in safe winter driving. Make sure your horn, signals, and lights work!

· If you are not comfortable with driving in bad weather conditions then don’t drive in it. Staying in control and knowing how to operate your vehicle accordingly is very important.

· Take extra precautions while driving during the night.

· Pay extra attention to the road, it doesn’t need to be raining or snowing for the roads to be slick. Slow down and give the driver in front of you some space.

· Always give yourself extra time to get to your destination- rushing and bad road conditions don’t mix.

· Never drive with your gas tank at almost empty or empty. Keeping your gas tank at full eliminates you being stranded on the side of the road.

· Always have your cell phone on you! Keep your cellular phone charged and programmed with your emergency numbers.

· Make sure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle, this includes: Flashlight, First- Aid kit, matches or a lighter, blankets, extra clothing such as a jacket or proper footwear, flares from your local hardware store, and it never hurts to add in a couple of granola bars and water.

Remember, SAFE DRIVING SAVES LIVES.

Volunteer: Want to volunteer? If you are interested in joining the SECP team, please contact our chairperson Anita HAYES at 705-930-4790 or at ahayes1@sympatico.ca. You can always learn more about what we do and our volunteers at www.secp.ca  -Join a volunteer team that cares about keeping our community safe!