Justice and Public Safety
Transportation and Works
April 29, 2015
Public Advisory: Update and Safety Advice for Residents and Communities Affected by Flooding
The Provincial Government continues to work with communities impacted by
flooding in the central region of the province. Numerous roads and some
residences have already been affected. Environment Canada reports that
periods of rain are forecast to continue over northeastern Newfoundland
tonight through Thursday morning. Further rainfall amounts between five and
10 millimetres can be expected.
Transportation and Works crews
continue to monitor conditions and damage to road infrastructure. Repair
work is being carried out as water levels and weather conditions allow.
Continuing rainfall is slowing progress on repairs in some areas. However,
the department advises that all equipment, crews and additional resources
such as contractors, where necessary, are engaged and working to make
repairs to roads that have been damaged.
Updates include:
- Route 330 (Bonavista North) - closed between Musgrave Harbour and the Ladle Cove intersection. The road on the south side of Musgrave Harbour is reduced to one lane due to water levels. Travellers from Musgrave Harbour are advised to use Route 320 to reach the TCH.
- Route 413 (Burlington area) - water is being diverted with crews on site completing temporary repairs. It is anticipated to reopen to light vehicles later this evening.
- Route 320 (Hare Bay) - this route remains open, with water levels remaining the same.
- Route 320-33
(Greenspond Access Road, Southwest Pond) - road is open.
- Route 392 (Beachside) - traffic is being escorted through the area as water levels allow.
- Route 391 (King's Point area, Harry's Harbour Road) - one lane remains open.
- Route 333-21 (Fogo Island) - the road is passable and repairs will begin when weather conditions allow.
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) continues
to engage with impacted communities and local emergency management partners
to provide advice and guidance where necessary. Municipalities and emergency
responders are reminded that if they require immediate assistance overnight
or anytime, they can contact FES-NL at 709-729-3703, 24 hours a day.
Individuals and homeowners requiring emergency assistance are encouraged to
call 911 for police, fire or ambulance services.
Furthermore,
impacted communities and residents are reminded of the following safety
advice:
BEFORE A FLOOD
To reduce the likelihood of flood damage:
- Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
- Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your residence to ensure that water moves away from the building.
- Consider installing a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains.
- Do not store your important documents in the basement. Keep them at a higher level, protected from flood damage.
- Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve.
- Take special precautions to safeguard electrical, gas or propane heating equipment.
- Shut off the electricity only if flooding has not yet begun and the area around the fuse box is completely dry. Stand to the side of the breaker panel and look away from the panel when switching the power off. Have a flashlight with you.
- Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level.
- Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution.
- Remove toilet bowls and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden stopper.
- Disconnect eavestroughs if they are connected to the house sewer.
- In some cases, homes may be protected with sandbags or polyethylene barriers.
- Do NOT attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Water and live electrical wires can be lethal. Leave your home immediately and do not return until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
DURING A FLOOD
Listen to the local radio stations for messages
from government to find out what areas are affected, what roads are safe,
where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks you to leave
your home.
Keep an emergency kit close at hand, in a portable
container such as a duffel bag, backpack, or suitcase with wheels. Items to
include in an emergency kit are listed at
www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/index-en.aspx.
If you need to evacuate
- Vacate your home when you are advised to do so by local emergency authorities. Ignoring such a warning could jeopardize the safety of your family or those who might eventually have to come to your rescue.
- Take your emergency kit with you.
- Follow the routes specified by officials. Don't take shortcuts. They could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area.
- Make arrangements for pets.
- Time permitting, leave a note informing others when you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox, leave the note there.
Never cross a flooded area
- If you are on foot, fast water could sweep you away.
- If you are in a car, do not drive through flood waters or underpasses. The water may be deeper than it looks and your car could get stuck or swept away by fast water.
- Avoid crossing bridges if the water is high and flowing quickly.
- If you are caught in fast-rising waters and your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and your passengers.
AFTER A FLOOD
Follow this advice when re-entering your home after a flood:
- Do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
- If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
- Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood.
- Appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on. Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
- The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.
- Depending on where you live, your municipal or the provincial inspection authority is responsible for the permitting process required before your electric utility can reconnect power to your home.
Ensure building safety
- Make sure the building is structurally safe.
- Look for buckled walls or floors.
- Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.
Water
- Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
- If through colour, odour or taste you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, don't drink it.
Documentation
- Record details of flood damage by photograph or video, if possible.
- Do not discard of damaged belongings until emergency officials advise to do so. Place these items in your backyard or a secure area and cover them, if possible.
- If your home has indeed flooded, register the amount of damage to your home with both your insurance agent and local municipality immediately.
Additional flooding and emergency preparedness advice can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca.
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Media contacts:
| Bradley Power Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 690-1810 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca |
Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 689-2624 JacquelynHoward@gov.nl.ca |