Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
August 29, 2014

Public Advisory: Residents and Municipalities Advised to Prepare for Rapid Tide-Like Changes

Fire and Emergency Services–Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is monitoring Hurricane Cristobal. The recent update by the Canadian Hurricane Centre advises residents in coastal areas on the eastern portion of the island to watch for changing elevations in water levels outside of the natural high and low tide cycle.

The Canadian Hurricane Centre’s statement indicates that the rapid forward speed of Cristobal over the southern Grand Banks may trigger rapid tide-like changes in water levels in bays, coves and harbours. Previous weather systems with similar tracks and speed to Cristobal have caused water levels to rise and fall two to three times over a short time period, with fluctuation between two and three metres.

The centre advises that specific areas and impacts are difficult to pinpoint due to the forward speed of the system, and the timing in relation to the natural tide cycle. For today, high tide for the eastern portion of the island will be between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Low tide will be between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Based on this information, residents should monitor local conditions today, from late morning to early evening.

FES-NL will provide regular updates as required. Residents are reminded to follow the latest weather forecast for warnings and advisories, and take measures to ensure personal safety.

Follow hurricane statements - //www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/
Follow local weather forecasts – //weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl

Please see below for further information and tips regarding preparedness.

Municipalities and Local Service Districts
Municipalities and local service districts should revisit their emergency management plans and ensure first responders are informed of possible adverse events.

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:

• Be aware of all local emergency numbers;
• Watch for weather warnings and advisories;
• 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;
• Prepare and maintain a 72 hour emergency kit – //www.getprepared.gc.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/; 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:

Kelly Maguire Manager of Communications Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 690-1810 KellyMaguire@gov.nl.ca

2014 08 29                               10:15 a.m.