Public Advisory: Residents and Municipalities Reminded to Be Prepared for Adverse Weather

Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) encourages residents, municipalities and local service districts throughout the province to be prepared for adverse weather conditions. Tropical Storm Gabrielle is moving toward Atlantic Canada, and is expected to reach Newfoundland and Labrador this weekend. Environment Canada advises Gabrielle will be primarily a rainfall event, and has issued rainfall warnings for parts of the Northern Peninsula. Special weather statements are also in effect for southeastern Labrador, the Baie Verte Peninsula, and parts of the West Coast. Hurricane season typically runs from June to November, but many of the major weather events in this province occur during September and October.

The Provincial Government is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Gabrielle and offers the following reminders and suggestions for individuals and communities to prepare for the possibility of flooding, power outages, and other potential impacts which could develop during the storm.

Municipalities and Local Service Districts
At this time, municipalities and local service districts should revisit their emergency management plans and ensure first responders are informed of the possibility adverse weather. Public works crews should make every effort to remove debris from culverts, drains, streams and underneath bridges to allow for the free flow of water and to prevent unnecessary flooding. Items throughout the town that could be impacted by high winds should be secured. Finally, an extra effort should be made to ensure communities understand current insurance coverage in place for such situations.

Residents
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should keep emergency preparedness top of mind. A few simple steps now may prevent personal harm if a serious incident was to occur. Everyone should follow these simple tips:

• Watch for warnings and advisories;
• Follow local weather forecasts;
• 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;
• 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;
• Be aware of all local emergency numbers;
• Understand your insurance policy;
• Ensure sump pumps are in working order;
• Keep all household drains free from debris;
• Secure patio furniture, yard tools, or playground equipment, and remove dead trees and branches which may be affected by heavy winds;
• Consider installing a hard-lined phone in your residence as cordless phones will not work in a power outage;
• Do not touch or attempt to move downed power lines; advise your utility provider immediately instead; and,
• 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.

If warranted, FES-NL will issue further public advisories and information updates through the media. Updates will also be provided on twitter by @FES_GovNL and @Gov_NL.

More details on personal preparedness can be found at: www.gov.nl.ca/fes or www.getprepared.ca. The current status of Tropical Storm Gabrielle and other adverse weather can be found at weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=NL .

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca 

2013 09 13                             10:50 a.m.