Justice and Public Safety
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
October 17, 2014
Safeguarding Communities and Residents
Provincial Government Works With Community Partners to Prepare for Potential Impacts of Hurricane Gonzalo
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is monitoring Hurricane Gonzalo. The recent forecast information from the Canadian Hurricane Centre advises of the potential for heavy rainfall, strong winds and large waves beginning Saturday evening and continuing into Sunday.
“The Provincial Government is actively engaged in preparations for potential weather impacts, and emergency responders are ready to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of all residents. Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to communicate with its emergency management partners and communities throughout the province. I would encourage individuals to take measures to ensure their own safety and the safety of their neighbours and families.”
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
The highest rainfall amounts are forecasted for the eastern half of the island portion of the province and could be in the range of 50 to 75 millimetres by Sunday, October 19. On its current track, north to northwest winds associated with Hurricane Gonzalo could reach gusts up to 70 to 80 kilometres per hour. Municipalities and residents in coastal areas along the south coast, Burin Peninsula and southern Avalon Peninsula are advised to exercise caution and should prepare for large waves of four to six metres, pounding surf or potential storm surges at high tide.
Municipalities and local service districts are encouraged to prepare for the forecasted adverse weather conditions and ensure their emergency plans are readily available and can be activated if required. Councils are encouraged to have emergency contact information available and to continue to monitor weather forecasts throughout the storm. Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs regional office staff are available to assist Fire and Emergency Services in their efforts.
"I would encourage all municipalities and local service districts to make preparations for Gonzalo, and ensure that their staff remain vigilant throughout the weekend. In addition, residents are asked to adhere to warnings and recommendations from both Environment Canada and their council or Local Service District committee. Officials from our regional offices will be at the ready to assist where required to provide advice and guidance to community leaders and staff."
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
FES-NL is actively monitoring this weather system and working with emergency management partners. Many local governments have an emergency management plan in place. Individuals and communities are advised to prepare for flooding, power outages, downed power lines and other potential impacts.
Further information and tips regarding preparedness can be found below and at www.gov.nl.ca.
Municipalities and Local Service Districts
Local governments should revisit their emergency management plans and ensure first responders are informed of possible adverse weather. Public works crews should make every effort to remove debris from culverts, drains, streams and underneath bridges to allow for the free flow of water and to prevent unnecessary flooding.
Residents
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should keep emergency preparedness top of mind. A few simple steps now, as outlined below, may prevent personal harm if a serious incident were to occur:
- Ensure sump pumps are in working order;
- Keep all household drains free from debris;
- If you become aware of flooding on streets or observe areas where culverts are blocked, contact municipal officials to advise them of the situation as soon as possible;
- Watch for weather warnings and advisories;
- Follow local weather forecasts – weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl
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- Prepare and maintain a 72 hour emergency kit – www.getprepared.ca ;
- Develop an emergency plan, remembering the specific requirements of pets or any person in your household with a medical condition, mobility issues, or other special needs - www.gov.nl.ca/fes/emo/preparedness.html;
- Be aware of all local emergency numbers;
- Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy; and
- For information about insurance coverage please visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) website: www.ibc.ca/en/Natural_Disasters/Protect_Yourself_from_Climate_Change/Are_you_covered.asp .
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Media contacts:
| Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
2014 10 17 3:30 p.m.