The Oakville Independents Community Outreach Team

Please cut the strings before disposing of your masks. They pose a safety hazard to our furry and feathered friends. Even if you place them in your own garbage they still end out somewhere. Often blowing around a garbage dump. #LoveLivesInOakville #OakvilleCares #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Please cut the strings before disposing of your masks. They pose a safety hazard to our furry and feathered friends. Even if you place them in your own garbage they still end out somewhere. Often blowing around a garbage dump. #LoveLivesInOakville #OakvilleCares #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Each year in North America, snowmobile accidents account for approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries. This statistic begs the question - is snowmobiling safe? The answer is yes, assuming that you drive with caution and avoid reckless behaviour. Of course, there is a degree of danger with every sport, but you can minimize it by taking adequate safety precautions and making smart decisions. Certified instructors can teach you how to drive safely if you're serious about the...Continue reading

Each year in North America, snowmobile accidents account for approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries. This statistic begs the question - is snowmobiling safe? The answer is yes, assuming that you drive with caution and avoid reckless behaviour. Of course, there is a degree of danger with every sport, but you can minimize it by taking adequate safety precautions and making smart decisions. Certified instructors can teach you how to drive safely if you're serious about the...Continue reading

Despite the many inconveniences that ice brings us, we manage to have fun and take advantage of it anyways be it skating, playing hockey, or ice fishing. However, if we aren't vigilant about ice safety, we could find ourselves in a predicament. Here are some things to keep in mind next time you're on the ice: THICKNESS MATTERS. If the ice isn't 4 inches thick, you shouldn't be walking on it. If it isn't 8 - 12 inches thick, you shouldn't be driving a vehicle on it. How can yo...u measure the depth of the ice on a body of water? A hand auger should do the trick. Make sure to reassess the ice's depth every hundred metres or so. Often, ice thins out as you get farther from the water's edge. COLOURS ARE IMPORTANT. Blue ice is the strongest, while white ice is less safe. Grey ice should be avoided, as it indicates the presence of liquid water or slush close to the surface. Similarly, cracks and holes are indicators of dangerous territory. CARRY RESCUE CLAWS. They may be heavy, but they'll be lifesavers if you fall through the ice. Their talons make it easier to crawl back onto the ice if you find yourself in deep water. IF YOU PARK ON THE LAKE, spread your cars out across the surface. This reduces the chance of the ice cracking under pressure. OBEY POSTED WARNINGS. Oftentimes, local authorities will designate lakes and ponds as safe or unsafe to walk on. Heed their warnings - they're the experts! With the proper safety measures and preparation, peace of mind is easy to attain. Follow the above tips and tricks, and who knows - you might find yourself appreciating the ice more than you thought this winter! #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #WinterSafety #IceSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

If it's safe and possible to do, please clear ice and snow that's blocking your catch basins to help water flow. Also, be on the lookout for opportunities to reduce the risk of flooding and drainage problems in and around your property. Make sure that your sump pumps and backflow prevention valves are working, check your downspouts and eavestroughs to be sure they’re clear, and move accumulated snow away from your home’s foundation and window wells. Insurance doesn’t always c...over the damage. Reminder: Always check furnace and exhaust vents to make sure they are clear of ice and snow Never attempt to clean a catch basin if it's submerged in water, if the drain is full of debris, or if the grate is damaged. Please, call 311 instead. #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #HelpTheMelt #ProtectTheDrain #AdoptACatchBasin #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Despite the many inconveniences that ice brings us, we manage to have fun and take advantage of it anyways be it skating, playing hockey, or ice fishing. However, if we aren't vigilant about ice safety, we could find ourselves in a predicament. Here are some things to keep in mind next time you're on the ice: THICKNESS MATTERS. If the ice isn't 4 inches thick, you shouldn't be walking on it. If it isn't 8 - 12 inches thick, you shouldn't be driving a vehicle on it. How can yo...u measure the depth of the ice on a body of water? A hand auger should do the trick. Make sure to reassess the ice's depth every hundred metres or so. Often, ice thins out as you get farther from the water's edge. COLOURS ARE IMPORTANT. Blue ice is the strongest, while white ice is less safe. Grey ice should be avoided, as it indicates the presence of liquid water or slush close to the surface. Similarly, cracks and holes are indicators of dangerous territory. CARRY RESCUE CLAWS. They may be heavy, but they'll be lifesavers if you fall through the ice. Their talons make it easier to crawl back onto the ice if you find yourself in deep water. IF YOU PARK ON THE LAKE, spread your cars out across the surface. This reduces the chance of the ice cracking under pressure. OBEY POSTED WARNINGS. Oftentimes, local authorities will designate lakes and ponds as safe or unsafe to walk on. Heed their warnings - they're the experts! With the proper safety measures and preparation, peace of mind is easy to attain. Follow the above tips and tricks, and who knows - you might find yourself appreciating the ice more than you thought this winter! #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #WinterSafety #IceSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

If it's safe and possible to do, please clear ice and snow that's blocking your catch basins to help water flow. Also, be on the lookout for opportunities to reduce the risk of flooding and drainage problems in and around your property. Make sure that your sump pumps and backflow prevention valves are working, check your downspouts and eavestroughs to be sure they’re clear, and move accumulated snow away from your home’s foundation and window wells. Insurance doesn’t always c...over the damage. Reminder: Always check furnace and exhaust vents to make sure they are clear of ice and snow Never attempt to clean a catch basin if it's submerged in water, if the drain is full of debris, or if the grate is damaged. Please, call 311 instead. #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #HelpTheMelt #ProtectTheDrain #AdoptACatchBasin #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

#OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #Fire #Hydrants #AdoptAHydrant #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

#OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #Fire #Hydrants #AdoptAHydrant #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Each year in North America, snowmobile accidents account for approximately 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries. This statistic begs the question - is snowmobiling safe? The answer is yes, assuming that you drive with caution and avoid reckless behaviour. Of course, there is a degree of danger with every sport, but you can minimize it by taking adequate safety precautions and making smart decisions. Certified instructors can teach you how to drive safely if you're serious about the...Continue reading

#OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #Fire #Hydrants #AdoptAHydrant #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PositiveRoleModelling #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

The Oakville Independents Are A Grassroots, Homegrown, Non-Profit Organization Comprised Of Trained Volunteers Who Give Back To Our Communities With Kindness, C...harity, And Good Will. Over The Past Four Years, The Oakville Independents Have Worked Side By Side With Community Leaders, Neighbourhood Groups, Non-Profit Groups, Schools, As Well As Individuals. From Our Parks To Our Roadways And Neighbourhoods, The Oakville Independents Have Been Leaving Their Mark As Environmental Stewards Who Stand For Community-Minded Action. In The Winter Of 2018, The Oakville Independents Started Their Free Snow Shovelling Program For Seniors And People With Physical Disabilities. If You Or Someone You Know Lives On One Of The Following Streets And Need Help With Driveways And Walkways, Don't Hesitate To Contact The Oakville Independents. Penrose Lane Rosegate Way Kittridge Road Milford Lane Dalebrook Drive And Riverstone Drive It Has Been Sincerely Rewarding To Meet So Many Wonderful People Through This Initiative, And Team Members Are Always Happy To Help Where They Can During This Potentially Dangerous Time Of Year. If You See The Oakville Independents Around Town, Please Say "Hi".... They're Here To Help. Like us on Facebook and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Thank you very much for taking the time to read our video description #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #PositiveRoleModelling #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI #SnowShovelling #FreeSnowShovelling

At the start of a new year, it's important to promote mental health and balance for the coming year. To do so, make a resolution to incorporate these positive coping skills into your daily life: Meditate/relax Sleep Stay active with exercise...Continue reading

When your memory fails you, it’s easy to get frustrated. How many times have you forgotten an important appointment, or lost a valuable item? These lapses of memory can be embarrassing and troublesome, disrupting your day. For those living with Alzheimer’s, such forgetful moments happen all too often. It’s discouraging, and it can be even more frustrating when people fail to recognize their strengths due to their lack of memory, choosing instead to stigmatize the illness. We ...Continue reading

Remember, Clocks Go Back This Sunday (November 1st). When You Change Your Clocks, Change Your Smoke Detector And CO batteries. 30 seconds and 9 volts can save your life! #FireSafety #FirePrevention #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #Community #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #PositiveRoleModelling #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Please be vigilant, everyone. As times get increasingly harder, this sort of crime will become increasingly more common: Catalytic Converters contain Platinum, a precious metal. They fetch big bucks at the Recyclers, and there are enough unethical Recyclers out there to take them in. It takes less than 10 minutes for a thief to crawl under your car with a cordless Sawzall to give you an expensive repair bill the next morning. Installing motion sensor lights is a bare minimum... at this point. A motion camera would also be a good idea. Please, use your garage if you have one. #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #TheftPrevention #Community #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #PositiveRoleModelling #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

ESSENTIAL HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS: For youngsters, Halloween night is one of the best of the year. But, trick-or-treating can be dangerous if both kids and adults aren’t careful. For starters, it always helps to go with them and watch them as they knock on every door. It also helps to establish trick-or-treating ground rules beforehand, so they know not to run away from you or go inside any houses or cars. Please, take a moment to have a look at some important trick-or-treatin...Continue reading

What is your reason for preventing stroke? Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. It can happen to anyone at any age, and impacts everyone: survivors, family and friends, workplaces, and communities. From making individual changes, to advocating globally and locally for policies that will deliver healthier communities, we can all do something to prevent stroke. In just 10 years, the lifetime risk of stroke for over 25 year olds has increased from 1 in 6 t...o 1 in 4. With 90% of strokes associated with 10 modifiable risk factors, the potential impact of action on prevention is clear and is driving this year's World Stroke Day Campaign. Let's put #WorldStrokeDay on the map #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Environment #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #DontBeTheOne #CutStrokeInHalf #PositiveRoleModelling #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Team Members had a very productive, and rewarding morning today helping our friends at 8th Line and Upper Middle with their fall-time leaf clean up. Don't forget! Loose Leaf Collection is underway. If you're in zones 1, 2, 3 and 7 take advantage of this week's collection.... 2020 fall loose leaf collection schedule October 26 to 30 - Zones 1, 2, 3, 7 November 2 to 6 - Zones 4, 5, 6, 8 November 9 to 13 - Zones 1, 2, 3, 7 November 16 to 20 - Zones 4, 5, 6, 8 and A November 23 to 27 - Zones 1, 2, 3, 7 and B, C November 30 to December 4 - Zones 4, 5, 6, 8 For more information, please visit: https://www.oakville.ca/residents/loose-leaf.html #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #Environment #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #PositiveRoleModelling #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Jack Baumber of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 229 in Elora (Ontario) has led the Tabs 4 Wheelchairs Program since 1989. As of July 2018, the Tabs 4 Wheelchairs Program has given away over 2662 wheelchairs! The program all got started when Mr. Baumber heard that tabs were being collected to provide a wheelchair for a 4-year-old girl. He and others accumulated several hundred pounds only to find out that the whole thing was a rumour and there was no such project. Mr. Baumber... and his friend, Ray Pearse decided to see how much the tabs they had collected were worth at a scrap metal dealer. The first scrap metal dealer was willing to pay 20 cents a pound. Then Mr. Pearse found a recycling company willing to buy the tabs for 50 cents a pound. The tabs program was underway. Today, this wonderful program collects tabs from pop and beer cans from around the world. It is the pure aluminum in these tabs that they are able to convert into cash. They then use this cash to purchase wheelchairs for the disabled. The Bronte Legion Branch 486 here in Oakville is a part of the Tabs 4 Wheelchairs Program and we are collecting tabs for this initiative. If you have tabs but aren't sure what to do with them, please consider donating to this very worthwhile cause. If you would like to donate your tabs but don't have a way to the Bronte Legion (79 Jones Street), we'll be more than happy to bring them for you. Feel free to contact us. Thank you very much for your time. #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #PopTabCollection #RoyalCanadianLegion #SupportYourLegion #GetYourPoppy #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #PositiveRoleModelling #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI

Cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate; it can impact anyone regardless of their age, fitness level, gender, or race. It can strike whenever and wherever you least expect it. For example, cardiac arrest doesn't care if you are commuting home, or even if you’re sleeping. If you're thinking it can’t happen to you or someone you care about, each year over 400,000 cardiac arrests occur in North America alone. Given how common cardiac arrest is, it's only logical that we should all k...now how to respond to it if it happens. However, this isn’t the case. Actually, only about 37% of us knew how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in 2014. As a result, on this Restart a Heart Day, our Team is encouraging everyone to learn CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED) use. Performing CPR and using an AED takes practice. That’s why they are best-learned in first aid or CPR courses. Attending a first aid or CPR course will only take up a few hours of your day, but the skills you learn will be valuable for years to come. What’s the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack? Many people use the terms heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest interchangeably when in fact, they are caused by two different issues. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A heart attack is caused by a circulation problem and sudden cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem. How long does someone have to receive medical attention after the onset of cardiac arrest? With every passing second following cardiac arrest, cells all around the body are being starved of oxygen. Consequently, time is of the essence. In fact for every minute without medical attention, a sufferer’s chance of survival can drop anywhere from 7 to 10 percent. If you are a bystander who knows how to administer first aid for cardiac arrest, you can act even before first responders arrive at the scene. This is why knowing CPR and AED use can make you the strongest link in a sufferer’s chain of survival! #OakvilleCares #LoveLivesInOakville #WorldRestartAHeart #Cardiac #CardiacArrest #SuddenCardiacArrest #Heart #HeartHealth #Cardiology #HealthyLifestyle #Oakville #OakvilleON #Halton #HaltonON #PublicSafety #CommunitySafety #Safety #CommunityWellBeing #PositiveRoleModelling #CommunityOutreach #CommunityInvolvement #TheOakvilleIndependents #TheIndependents #IFFI