Public Safety Advisory - February 17, 2026

The Town of Smiths Falls and the Smiths Falls Fire Department are reminding residents to exercise extra caution around streams, ditches, and low-lying areas during the current period of mild weather.

With the significant accumulation of snow over the past few weeks, rising temperatures are causing rapid snowmelt. This can result in fast-flowing water, unstable banks, and hidden hazards beneath melting snow and ice. Ice surfaces may be deteriorating quickly and are not safe to walk or play on.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Keep children and pets away from waterways and drainage areas.
• Avoid walking on ice-covered surfaces, including ponds and canals.
• Use caution near culverts and storm drains where water levels and flow may increase rapidly.

We thank residents for taking proactive steps to stay safe and for helping protect our community during changing weather conditions.