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Municipal Affairs
August 26, 2011

Public Advisory: Residents Encouraged to Prepare for
Potential Effects of Hurricane Irene

Environment Canada’s current modelling for the potential paths of Hurricane Irene demonstrates a possible impact on areas of Newfoundland and Labrador. The hurricane, which is currently tracking near the northern United States, could bring intense weather to parts of the province as early as Sunday evening. The Provincial Government, through Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), is encouraging all residents to be prepared for flooding, power outages, and other potential impacts.

As of this morning’s update from weather experts, Hurricane Irene is a Category 3 storm system tracking south of the Cape Hatteras area of North Carolina in the United States. Projections are that the hurricane will downgrade and change to a tropical storm system by the time it reaches our shores, but the behaviour of Hurricane Irene will continue to change throughout the next few days. The system is still making its way along the eastern coast of North America, and while possible areas of impact include Labrador, the Northern Peninsula, and the west coast, everyone should take the opportunity to ensure they are prepared in the event of adverse weather. As experienced through previous storms, residents are encouraged to prepare not only for the potential impacts, but also for the possible need to evacuate, for their personal safety.

The potential for significant amounts of rain and storm-force winds means residents and communities must be diligent in emergency preparations to ensure their personal safety. While Hurricane Irene could have minimal impact on the province, Newfoundland and Labrador is currently in the height of hurricane season and other potential systems could pose a threat to the province.

Tips for municipalities, commuters, and residents can be found in the backgrounder provided below.

If an emergency requiring assistance occurs, residents are reminded to contact their local fire department and/or police for assistance. If flooding occurs, residents should contact their municipality. Should communities become unable to cope with local emergencies, they may contact FES-NL for assistance.

Residents and officials should keep the following emergency numbers close at hand:

Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution as this weather system approaches and throughout the course of this event.

The latest information on Hurricane Irene can be found at: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/hurricane/track_e.html 

More information on personal preparedness can be found at: www.gov.nl.ca/fes or www.getprepared.ca 

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER
Storm Advice for Communities and Residents

Municipalities
FES-NL is engaging community officials throughout the province to ensure they keep apprised of the current weather forecast over the next few days and heed warnings and advisories as they materialize. Community leaders and town managers are also encouraged to check with their insurance companies to fully understand their policies and coverage for the impacts of wind and other potential impacts in such emergency situations. In addition, municipalities must be diligent in ensuring that all storm sewers, culverts, bridges, and drains are free from debris ahead of this system and that emergency personnel are aware and available should weather conditions warrant.

Residents
In advance of Hurricane Irene, residents should assess their individual situations to determine the steps they can take to ensure their safety and security.

Some important tips for individuals to keep in mind before and during storms of this nature:

Commuters
In times of severe adverse weather, commuters should avoid travelling on roadways unless absolutely necessary.

Should travel be necessary, a few tips to keep in mind:

2011 08 26                                       1:15 p.m.

 
Last Updated:
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