Minister Corrects Inaccurate Information on Hurricanes

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, is correcting inaccurate information supplied to the public by the member for St. John’s East, who claimed that Newfoundland and Labrador is struck by an average of seven hurricanes each year. Contrary to the claims of the third party, weather experts note that on average one or two storms of tropical origin will make landfall in Canada each year, with another two to three typically threatening offshore waters.

“Irresponsible and misleading comments do nothing to help the residents of our province prepare for a potential event,” said Minister O’Brien. “Our officials work closely with our partners with Environment Canada and the Canadian Hurricane Centre to ensure we have the most accurate, up to date information in preparation for any weather event. We remain in close contact with communities through our regional offices in advance of potential weather events and remain ready to assist.”

Weather officials note that many tropical storm systems that may affect this region of the country are not necessarily hurricane strength. The annual average number of potential hurricanes for the entire Atlantic Basin – which incorporates the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, USA and Canada – is seven to nine storms.

“Our province is at risk for the potential impact of tropical storms and adverse weather, but raising false alarms is dangerous and risks desensitizing people to future threats,” noted Minister O’Brien. “Our government has made numerous investments in infrastructure, training, planning, and mitigation efforts to minimize the potential impacts. In addition to the province’s own emergency management plan, the majority of communities throughout our province have updated emergency management plans in place to help direct and manage an incident that may materialize in their regions.”

The minister confirmed that Newfoundland and Labrador and its associated communities are in a much better position than ever before to manage an emergency event. While emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, Minister O’Brien noted it is also essential that each individual resident is ready for an emergency.

Officials with Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Leslie, which weather experts note is currently unpredictable. Should the certainty of this track become more of a risk for the province, further information will be provided and efforts taken to prepare for the potential impacts.

For more information about being ready for the unexpected, visit 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

2012 09 06                               2:00 p.m.