Thunderstorms are inevitable in the summer – and big storms can cause power outages. High winds and heat waves can also damage power lines and equipment, leading to sparks and, potentially, flames.

Follow these safety tips from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service to protect yourself, your family and your home from potential fires before, during and after a storm.

What to do before a storm or power outage

Keep dirty water and soap out of catch basins

If you’re washing your car in the driveway, there are some important details you may not have considered!

Dirt, oil, grease, rust, salt, anti-freeze, soap and other chemicals coming off of your car can damage the City of Vaughan’s storm sewer system if they enter a catch basin – the drain typically located roadside. To protect this system and the environment, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Do:

To further advance the City of Vaughan’s commitment to road safety, speed limits are being reduced in five additional Vaughan neighbourhoods – one in each ward – and along 15 City roadways. Approved by Council on March 21, 2023 (PDF), speed limits in these areas will be reduced from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour. The new speed limit signs are being installed now through September 2023.

Did you know Vaughan is home to more than 130,000 trees in public spaces? Maintaining them is an important part of our city's environmental health and beauty. As our Forestry crews continue their seasonal services, the City of Vaughan is answering your top tree-related questions.

How long after I submit a service request (e.g. tree pruning or stump removal) does it take City staff to visit the tree site?