Municipal Affairs
December 12, 2012
Public Advisory: Residents and Communities Encouraged
to Prepare
for Winter Storm Season
Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is
reminding residents and communities to be prepared in the event of severe
weather. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to take necessary
steps to ensure personal safety throughout the winter months.
Extreme weather such as blizzards, ice storms, hail, severe winds, and
power outages can bring numerous hazards. Steps should be taken in advance
not only to save time and effort, but also to ease frustration and stress
when in the midst of winter weather.
FES-NL recommends residents keep an emergency preparedness kit in an
easily accessible location which contains items that will be beneficial
during a storm or power outage. These items include battery-powered
flashlights and radios, tools for emergency repair, water, ready-to-eat
food, a first aid kit, blankets, and extra clothing. It is also recommended
that an emergency kit be placed in personal and commercial vehicles.
Further information on how residents, communities and commuters can
prepare for extreme weather can be found in the backgrounder below.
Residents should also be mindful of the methods used to heat their homes
during the winter months and take care to follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for use. Carbon monoxide detectors are also strongly
recommended for those using fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces,
to provide advanced warning to residents in an emergency. Residents are also
reminded that smoke alarms are mandatory in all new and existing homes and
cottages, and are required on every level of the home and in each sleeping
area.
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
Preparedness Tips for Severe Winter Weather
General Tips
- Be aware of the weather forecasts, especially when travelling or leaving
the home for long periods of time;
- Ensure a personal emergency preparedness kit is developed and all contents
are ready for use. Instructions on preparing a kit can be found at
www.gov.nl.ca/fes/epw/readykitgo.html
- Bank machines will not work in a power outage. Therefore, it is
recommended your emergency kit contain cash in the event money is needed;
- Account for the needs of any household pets and ensure animals normally
kept outdoors are safe from extreme weather;
- Be aware of all local emergency numbers;
- Stock up on any fuel products which may be needed for vehicles or
equipment intended for use;
- Understand your insurance policy and potential coverage for fire and
emergency situations;
- Smoke alarms should be tested on a regular basis and batteries checked
annually;
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each
sleeping area.
Before and During Blizzards, Ice Storms and other Extreme Weather
- Stay indoors if at all possible. If you must go outside, ensure you are
dressed for the weather and protected against the elements with tightly
woven and water repellent clothing;
- Remove dead tree branches, which could pose a hazard or threat;
- Ensure any yard items or tools that may be thrown around or torn away in
high winds are secured to avoid potential damage;
- A reminder that cordless phones will not work in the event of a power
outage. A hard-lined phone is recommended;
- Should you notice downed power lines in your area, do not touch or attempt
to move, but instead advise your utility provider immediately;
- Avoid overexertion while shoveling and clearing pathways during or after a
storm.
For Communities
- Monitor forecasts and be aware of any approaching storm systems to ensure
municipal staff are ready to respond;
- Be aware of the appropriate contact information and phone numbers to reach
partners and resources to assist;
- Review and update community emergency management plans and ensure any
community supplies are at the ready;
- Ensure municipal vehicles are maintained and prepared with emergency kits
in the event mechanical issues arise in the middle of adverse winter
weather;
- Encourage community members to personally prepare for any impending
weather and ensure safety is a priority in any preparation activities;
- During severe winter storms, it may be unsafe for individuals and
municipal staff to work outside in the intense weather. Communities should
monitor conditions to determine if it may be best to advise staff and
individuals to wait for the storm to pass before undertaking response work.
For Travellers and Commuters
In times of extreme weather, commuters should avoid travelling on roadways
unless absolutely necessary.
Should travel be necessary, a few tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure someone is aware of your travel plans and the time you anticipate
arriving at your destination, and advise others once you have arrived;
- 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 a shovel, sand (or kitty litter), 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.
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