Justice and Public Safety
September 11, 2015

Public Advisory: Residents and Communities Should Prepare for Hurricane Season

With the recent formation of tropical storm Henri, Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) reminds residents and communities to prepare for potential adverse weather conditions.

The latest forecast models indicate that Henri will pass just southeast of the island on Saturday morning before quickly moving east and out over the Atlantic. Environment Canada advises that, on its current track, Henri will bring rain and gusty winds primarily to the south and southeast areas of the island. There is a potential for weather warnings to be issued by the weather office in Gander if Henri tracks closer to the province.

FES-NL is actively monitoring Henri and reminds residents and communities to prepare for the possibility of flooding, power outages and other potential impacts which could develop during the storm.

The current status of Henri and associated weather forecast models can be found at www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes External Link.

Ensure Your Community is Prepared
Municipalities and Local Service Districts should review their emergency management plans and ensure first responders are informed of possible adverse weather.

Public works crews should remove debris from culverts, drains, streams, and underneath bridges. Items vulnerable to wind should be secured. Municipal officials should familiarize themselves with current insurance coverage.

Reduce the Risk to Your Household
Emergency preparedness should be top of mind for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Follow these simple steps to help prevent injury or harm during adverse weather conditions:

  • Monitor weather forecasts and warnings at weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl External Link;
  • Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit at www.getprepared.ca External Link;
  • Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy. For information, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada�s website at www.ibc.ca/nl/disaster External Link;
  • Develop an emergency plan that addresses any specific requirements, such as a medical condition or pet;
  • Ensure any sump pumps are in working order and clean household eaves and drains;
  • Secure outdoor furniture, yard tools, and any playground equipment;
  • Remove any dead or damaged trees and branches from your property;
  • Do not touch or attempt to move downed power lines. Call your utility provider; and
  • Contact municipal officials immediately if you become aware of flooding or observe blocked culverts.

For more information about fire safety and emergency preparedness, download a copy of Your Emergency Preparedness Guide at www.gov.nl.ca/fes/publications/WebPDFGuideENG_low.pdf ; or visit the FES-NL website at www.gov.nl.ca/fes/index.html

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Media contact:
Ryan Crocker
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL)
709-729-0857, 690-1810
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca

2015 09 11                             1:45 p.m.