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Seasonal weather and outdoor activities can create different safety risks throughout the year. The information below can help you stay safe during winter and summer conditions in Milton and connect you with additional resources when needed.
Whether you are spending time outdoors, preparing for severe weather, or planning seasonal activities, taking a few precautions can help protect you, your family, your pets, and your property.
Winter weather can bring snow, ice, extreme cold, and power outages. Review the information below to stay safe and be prepared throughout the season.
Natural ice surfaces can look safe but may be dangerously unstable. Throughout the winter months, skating is prohibited on bodies of water such as stormwater management ponds and channels.
If someone falls through the ice:
Call 911 immediately
Do not go onto the ice to attempt a rescue
Looking for a safe place to skate? Visit Neighbourhood Outdoor Rinks or drop-in skating programs.
Ice-covered ponds and waterways can be dangerous for pets.
When walking near frozen water:
Keep pets on a leash
Remember that pets may not recognize the danger of thin ice
If your pet gets onto the ice:
Try to coax the pet back to shore
Do not go onto the ice to retrieve the pet
If your pet falls through the ice:
Call 911 immediately
Do not go onto the ice to attempt a rescue
Milton Fire & Rescue Services has specialized ice rescue equipment and will respond to these emergencies.
Stormwater management ponds are never safe for skating, tobogganing, hockey, or other recreational activities.
The Town of Milton does not monitor ice conditions on stormwater management ponds. Even when surfaces appear frozen, the ice may be unstable due to changing water conditions.
Stormwater management ponds are unsafe because:
Water continues to flow beneath the surface, creating unstable ice
Ice thickness varies across the pond
Road runoff may contain salt, which lowers the freezing temperature of the water
Please stay off stormwater management ponds at all times.
Exposure to cold temperatures can increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Before heading outdoors, take steps to protect yourself and others.
To stay safe during cold weather:
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
Check weather conditions before travelling
Dress in layers to help protect against hypothermia (decreased body temperature)
Winter storms can sometimes cause power outages. Being prepared can help keep your household safe and reduce damage when power is restored.
During a power outage:
Unplug electronics and small appliances, except refrigerators and freezers
Turn heating and cooling systems to their lowest setting until power is restored
Leave one light on so you know when power returns
Use flashlights or battery-powered lights
Wear extra layers and use blankets if heat is unavailable
Use only indoor-approved space heaters and never leave them unattended
Never use generators or fuel-burning devices inside your home or garage due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Learn more on Ontario's Power Outages and Blackouts website.
Warmer weather brings opportunities to enjoy outdoor events and gatherings. Follow local regulations and fire safety requirements to help keep the community safe.
The Town of Milton's Fireworks By-law 088-2023 prohibits the sale, distribution, and discharge of consumer fireworks.
Display fireworks may be permitted when all by-law requirements are met, including:
Fireworks must be discharged by a licensed Display Supervisor
Applicants must provide proof of $5 million in comprehensive general liability insurance
A Public Exhibition Fireworks Permit must be obtained from the Milton Fire & Rescue Services Fire Chief
For complete requirements and permit information, visit the Fireworks page.
Outdoor fires must be used responsibly to help prevent injuries, property damage, and unintended fires.
Before having an outdoor fire:
Review the Open Air Burning By-law
Follow all fire safety requirements
Ensure the fire is attended at all times
Keep extinguishing materials readily available
Watch the Town's open-air fire safety video to learn how to protect your family, neighbours, and property while enjoying an outdoor fire.