Share Your Memories of 'Snowmaggedon'

Wyoming, ON - Lambton County residents are being asked to share their memories of the 2010 Snow Emergency, also known as 'Snowmaggedon'.

From now until December 4, residents can visit LambtonArchives.ca to upload their photos, videos, and written accounts of their experiences during Snowmaggedon.

Contributors will also be asked a couple of brief questions to help emergency planners understand how residents plan for emergencies at home and on the road.

Various community submissions will be highlighted on the Archives' website and social media channels throughout and following the campaign.

"As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 2010 Snow Emergency, we have a unique opportunity to assist Lambton County Archives in documenting the community history of this event," said Lambton County Warden Bill Weber. "In addition, if emergency planners can better understand how individual households prepare for winter storms, it can help to inform future planning for similar events."

A virtual forum about the snow emergency will also be hosted by Lambton County Archives at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18. Those wishing to participate are asked to register in advance through Zoom or by contacting the Lambton County Archives at archives@county-lambton.on.ca or 519-845-5426. Spaces are limited.

The Snow Emergency began December 12, 2010 and saw an estimated 1,500 people stranded along Highway 402 and area roadways in snowsquall conditions that did not subside until the morning of December 14.

Due to the significant impact of the event and the resources needed to respond, the County declared a State of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The declaration supported a request by Lambton OPP that saw the deployment of the Canadian military to undertake rescue flights.

In addition, the Watford Snowmobile Club and local bus companies provided transportation to stranded motorists and passengers, many of whom lacked the proper food, water, clothing, and medications to remain in their vehicles.

In total, all of those stranded were found to be safe. Over 700 rescued passengers were recorded as being housed at one of 10 emergency shelters set up in Thedford, Forest, Watford, Warwick Village, Alvinston, Wyoming (2), and Petrolia. It was estimated that a similar number of passengers and motorists were provided food and shelter by Lambton County residents.

Emergencies can occur at any time. Residents can prepare in advance by assembling a 72-Hour Supplies Kit that allows their households to be self-sufficient for up to three days following the onset of an event, freeing up emergency responders to prioritize the most urgent of matters. For details on what to include in your kit, and for more information on preparing for winter travel emergencies, visit EmergenciesLambton.ca.

Consider also subscribing to local emergency alerts to receive alerts about tornado warnings, drinking water emergencies, shelter-in-place advisories, evacuation advisories and other public safety alerts in your community.

-30-

Please contact:

Nicole Aszalos
Archivist/Supervisor
County of Lambton
519-845-5426 ext. 5239
Email Nicole Aszalos

Jay vanKlinken
Emergency Management Coordinator
County of Lambton
519-845-0801 ext. 5332
Email Jay vanKlinken