Municipal
Affairs
August 21, 2009
Minister Stresses Importance
of Household Emergency Plans
High winds, heavy rain,
storm surges and power outages can cause significant
damage or personal harm to persons and property. The
Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs
and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services
- Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), reminds residents
of the importance of personal readiness and household
planning for extreme weather conditions.
�With the onset of hurricane season and light of recent
weather forecasts, I encourage residents to assess their
individual situations and determine what they can do to
ensure their safety and the security of their property
during extreme weather conditions,� said Minister
Whalen. �Planning is especially important if you live in
an area prone to flooding, storm surges or harsh
weather.�
Some important tips to observe include:
- Ensure all drains
are free from debris, clean out window and door
wells, close all windows etc.;
- Keep items such as
lawn furniture and ladders out of the wind;
- Secure exposed
fishing gear, and both commercial boats and pleasure
craft;
- Remove, in a safe
manner, dead tree branches from trees that could
pose a hazard;
- Ensure that cell
phones are charged and that you have fresh batteries
for a portable radio should the power go out;
- Ensure that sump
pumps are working;
- Should basement
flooding occur, ensure that the power is shut off at
the main breaker before stepping into water. Care
should be taken to prevent electrocution. If you are
unsure call a licensed electrician;
- Should you become
aware of downed power lines, do not touch them, but
advise Newfoundland Power immediately; and,
- Municipalities are
advised to ensure that all storm sewers, culverts,
bridges, drains, etc. are free from debris; and,
- Property owners
should advise their municipal officials if they
become aware of excessive flooding on streets or
blocked drains or culverts.
�Often times it is
without significant warning that the next flood or other
weather event will strike, but we know that the more we
do in advance to prepare the better the outcome could
be,� said Minister Whalen. �Our government will continue
to work with municipalities, local service districts and
first response partners to ensure that our province is
prepared, but it is also important that all
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take the necessary
steps now, like developing a household emergency plan.�
All households should have an emergency kit prepared.
The kit should include a battery-powered radio,
flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable
food, hand-operated can opener, utility knife, and first
aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in
a waterproof bag. These may include medical records,
contracts, property deeds, leases, banking records,
insurance records and birth certificates.
This is also the time to consider potential needs of
everyone in the household during an emergency. If your
household includes a person with mobility issues,
medical conditions, children or other special needs,
then their requirements in an emergency situation should
be a part of the household plan.
Pets should also be considered as part of the household
plan. For example, they may become agitated during the
onset of a storm and a pet carrier is a must for safe
travel.
FES-NL leads and supports the province in a risk-based,
comprehensive emergency management system of
preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and
mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and
supports municipalities to protect their residents from
all hazards including natural disasters or large-scale
emergencies.
For more preparedness information, please visit
www.ma.gov.nl.ca/ma/fes/EPW2009RKG.htm or
www.getprepared.ca
- 30 -
Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca
2009 08 21
10:20 a.m.
|