Public Advisory: Residents and Communities Encouraged to
Prepare for Possible Effects of Tropical Storm Maria

Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is encouraging all residents and communities to take measures to ensure they are in the best possible position to manage the potential effects of Tropical Storm Maria.

Environment Canada advises that this weather system could impact the south coast and eastern regions of the island beginning overnight Thursday, September 15, and has the potential to merge with another weather system which is forecast to be over Labrador at the same time. Officials with Environment Canada advise this system is extremely complex, with significant uncertainty about the potential impacts, prompting FES-NL to remind everyone to prepare for potential heavy rainfall and high winds. Winds of up to 100 kilometres an hour and rainfall of up to 15 to 20 millimetres an hour may be possible, which could impact trees, power lines, and cause localized flooding unless precautions are taken.

Residents must be diligent in emergency preparations to ensure their personal safety. While this system could have minimal impact on the province, Newfoundland and Labrador remains in the height of hurricane season and it is important that everyone be prepared. It is recommended that residents monitor the weather forecast frequently throughout the next 48 hours.

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

In an emergency, residents are reminded to contact the police and/or local fire department for assistance as appropriate. 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 community officials should keep the following emergency numbers close at hand:

• Royal Newfoundland Constabulary: 709-729-8000
• RCMP: 1-800-709-7267 or 709-772-5400
• Newfoundland Power: 1-800-474-5711 or 1-888-491-5066
• Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro: 1-888-764-9376
• Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador: 709-729-3703

The latest information on Tropical Storm Maria 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

- 30 -

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 exchange the most current information with regards to warnings and advisories as they become available. Community leaders and town managers are encouraged to check with insurance companies to fully understand policies and coverage in the event of impacts as a result of Tropical Storm Maria. In addition, municipalities must be diligent in ensuring that all storm sewers, culverts, bridges, and drains are free from debris ahead of the system and that emergency personnel are aware and available should weather conditions warrant.

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

The following tips should be kept in mind before and during storms of this nature:

• Know the risks in your specific region;
• Follow local weather forecasts, especially warning or advisories;
• Ensure sump pumps are in working order;
• Keep all drains free from debris;
• Remove dead tree branches, which could pose a hazard or threat;
• Ensure all patio furniture, barbeque equipment and yard tools are secured to avoid potential damage in high winds;
• Prepare and maintain an emergency kit. Be ready to cope on your own for at least 72 hours, to allow first responders to help those in urgent need. Instructions on preparing a kit can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/fes/epw/readykitgo.html;
• Develop an emergency plan. Keep in mind the specific requirements of any person in your household with a medical condition, mobility issues, or other special needs;
• Account for the needs of any household pets and ensure animals normally kept outdoors are safe from wind and rain;
• Be aware of all local emergency numbers;
• Understand your insurance policy and potential coverage for fire and emergency situations;
• Remember that cordless phones will not work in the event of a power outage;
• Should you notice downed power lines in your area, do not touch or attempt to move, but instead advise your utility provider immediately;
• If you become aware of flooding on streets or blocked culverts, contact municipal officials to advise them of the situation.

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

Should travel be necessary, the following should be kept in mind:

• Ensure someone is aware of your travel plans and the time you anticipate arriving at your destination. Also be sure to check in once you reach your intended destination.
• Be ready to pull over in a safe location should conditions become too intense to reach your destination.
• An emergency preparedness kit should be assembled for your vehicle, including booster cables, a blanket, water, non-perishable food items (such as energy bars, which keep well in a vehicle), a flashlight, a battery powered or wind-up radio, poncho, first-aid kit, multi-purpose knife and other essential items.

2011 09 14                                       4:05 p.m.