June 7, 2013
Public Advisory: Residents and Municipalities Encouraged to Be Prepared for Hurricane Season
Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador wishes to remind
residents that the hurricane season typically runs from June to November
throughout North America and it is extremely important that individuals,
families, and communities be prepared for adverse weather conditions. Based
on recent storm predictions for 2013, Environment Canada has noted there is
a greater possibility that storms may impact Atlantic Canada, and
Newfoundland and Labrador.
Residents of this province should know the risks associated with adverse
weather conditions in their communities, develop an emergency plan, and
assemble an emergency kit. If a large-scale emergency or disaster were to
occur, it may take up to 72 hours for emergency responders to reach
individual households. Having supplies on hand, such as food, water,
batteries and a portable radio, is extremely important. It is also wise to
ensure important items such as birth certificates and prescription drugs are
easily accessible in the event an evacuation order is issued and residents
are required to leave their home in a moment’s notice.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to follow local weather
forecasts throughout the next few months and watch for warnings and
advisories. These can be found at
weather.gc.ca/
.
Municipalities are encouraged to monitor weather warnings on a daily basis
as well and secure local infrastructure from potential adverse weather
conditions. All communities should ensure that storm sewers, culverts,
bridges, and drains are free from debris and that emergency personnel are on
standby should weather conditions warrant an emergency response. It is also
prudent for municipalities to review their emergency management plan and
ensure contact information for first responders and other individuals is
updated.
Further information about emergency preparedness can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/fes/ or
www.getprepared.ca
.
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Media contact:
|
Bradley Power Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 699-5707 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Tips for Individuals and
Families Preparing for Adverse Weather Conditions
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Ensure you know all local emergency numbers within your community;
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Understand your insurance policy and potential coverage for fire and emergency situations;
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Ensure sump pumps are in working order;
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Keep all drains free from debris;
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Remove dead tree branches around your home, which could pose a hazard or threat;
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Consider installing a hard-lined phone in your home as cordless phones will not work in a power outage;
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Do not touch or attempt to move downed power lines in your area, but instead advise your utility provider immediately; and,
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If you become aware of flooding on streets or blocked culverts, contact municipal officials to advise them of the situation immediately.
2013 Storm Predictions
The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced its annual storm predictions for 2013. It anticipates a 70 per cent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms, of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes. More information on the 2013 Hurricane Season Predictions and the potential impact on Canada can be found on the Environment Canada webpage located at www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=714D9AAE-1&news=A3F58B69-FB2A-443F-8C45-5A80D7D1000A.2013 06 07 3:50 p.m.