Municipal Affairs
August 23, 2009
Public Advisory: Town
of Placentia Declares Local State of Emergency
Utilizing the authority of the Municipalities Act, Mayor Bill
Hogan and the town council of Placentia have declared a state of
emergency for low lying areas of the town.
Evacuation of at-risk residents will convene shortly.
The
town has been advised by Environment Canada and Fire and Emergency
Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), that a severe weather
warning has been issued for the southeast coast, including the Connaigre
Peninsula, west to Francois.
Hurricane Bill is tracking faster than previously expected. As a result
the peak storm surge is expected to occur closer to high tide than
previously forecast. A storm surge between 50 and possibly 90
centimetres above high astronomical tide is expected to occur near
midnight.
FES-NL
is recommending that communities place themselves on a high state of
alert and that personnel be put on watch throughout the night. If
properties are affected evacuations in other communities may be
necessary.
Officials with FES-NL will be on the Burin and Connaigre Peninsulas and
in Placentia this evening.
If an emergency requiring assistance
occurs, residents are
reminded to contact their local fire department and/or police for
assistance. Should flooding occur, residents should contact their
municipality as well as the fire department and police. Communities
which become unable to cope with local emergencies may contact Fire and
Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador at the 24-hour emergency
line at 709-729-3703.
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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations
Specialist
Fire and Emergency
Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0889, 697-5216
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca
2009 08 23 9:10 p.m.
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