Municipal Affairs
October 10, 2016

Public Advisory: Residents Encouraged to Prepare for Heavy Rainfall

The Department of Municipal Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services encourages all communities and residents to be prepared for flooding, power outages, and other potential impacts of heavy rainfall forecast for Newfoundland and Labrador over the next 24 hours.

The Burgeo-Ramea, Channel-Port aux Basques and vicinity, and Connaigre Peninsula areas have the greatest potential to be affected. According to Environment Canada, in these areas, heavy rain will continue today and tonight with total rainfall amounts expected to range from 100 to 200 mm. Some areas could see in excess of 200 mm of rainfall, especially over the Burgeo to Ramea forecast region. Rainfall rates of over 40 mm per hour have already been reported in the Burgeo area this morning. While rainfall rates this extreme are not likely widespread, several hours with rates of 20 mm per hour or more are certainly possible.

Many others areas on the island portion of the province also have heavy rainfall warnings currently in effect, with upwards of 100 mm of rainfall possible.

The most recent weather warnings and advisories from Environment Canada can be found at //weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=nl external link.

Fire and Emergency Services has been in contact with communities and emergency service providers to advise them to take pre-cautionary measures, to review their emergency management plans and ensure all the proper local contact information is in place. Residents and municipal officials should assess their individual situations to determine the steps they can take to ensure their safety and security during this rainfall event and continue to closely monitor the forecast.

Communities are advised to ensure that all storm sewers, culverts, bridges, and drains are free from debris and that emergency personnel are available should the need arise.

Some important tips to keep in mind before and during heavy rainfall events:

  • Call 911 in case of an emergency;
  • Contact your community in the event of flooding;
  • Prepare and maintain an emergency kit – be ready to cope on your own for at least 72 hours, to allow first responders to help those in urgent need;
  • Understand your insurance policy and potential coverage for fire and emergency situations;
  • Ensure sump pumps are in working order;
  • Keep all drains free from debris, clean out window and door wells, keep windows firmly closed;
  • Safely remove dead tree branches from any trees which could pose a hazard or threat;
  • Ensure all patio furniture, barbeque equipment and yard tools are secured to avoid potential damage in high winds;
  • Secure any and all exposed marine equipment and vessels;
  • Stay inside a safe location for the duration of the storm if at all possible;
  • Ensure all cell phones are charged and fresh batteries available for a portable radio in the event of a power outage;
  • Cordless phones will not work in a power outage, therefore a hard-lined phone for the home could also be of benefit;
  • In the event of basement flooding, ensure the power is shut off at the main breaker before stepping into the water to avoid the possibility of electrocution. If you are unsure, call a licensed electrician;
  • If you become aware of excessive flooding on streets or blocked culverts or drains, contact local officials to advise them of the situation;
  • Should you notice downed power lines in your area, do not touch or attempt to move, but instead advise your utility provider immediately;
  • If a household includes someone with a medical condition, mobility issues, or other special needs, plan for their specific requirements. Residents are asked to check on any neighbours living alone that they are aware of, to ensure their personal safety;
  • Ensure pets that are normally kept outdoors are safe from wind and rain.

More information on personal preparedness can be found at: www.gov.nl.ca/fes or www.getprepared.ca external link

Additional updates will be provided by the Provincial Government as needed.

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Manager of Media Relations
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-0857, 690-1810
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

2016 10 10                             1:00 p.m.