With the prime hurricane season well underway in the United States and the Caribbean, the province's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) encourages residents to prepare appropriate contingency plans to respond to possible severe inclement weather.
Wes MacAleer, Minister of Community Services and Attorney General with responsibility for the Emergency Measures Organization, advises Islanders to prepare an emergency plan for their home and family. "Some weather projections in September indicate that Atlantic Canada may experience the effects of a turbulent hurricane season. Now is the time for individuals to think about taking reasonable precautions."
Hurricanes are violent tropical storms which travel from the Caribbean, some as large as 1,000 kilometers across. With advancements in technology, meteorologists can track hurricanes and give up-to-the-minute descriptions of storms, and make projections as to their strength and directions.
In cases of severe weather, residents of Prince Edward Island are encouraged to listen for weather advisories or weather warnings and to prepare accordingly. Battery powered radios and a supply of extra batteries can help residents monitor weather conditions during any power outages.
Environment Canada, Emergency Preparedness Canada and the Prince Edward Island Emergency Measures Organization outline four practical steps to prepare for a weather-related emergency:
- Choose a shelter area for you and your family. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide good shelter in a severe storm. If none of these areas are available, sit underneath a sturdy piece of furniture on the ground floor and away from outside walls and windows.
- Prepare an emergency kit for your family that is packed and is easily accessible. The kit should include food, clothing, blankets, medication, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water purification tablets and first aid and tool kits.
- Inspect your property and take steps to reduce hazards. Trim dead or rotting branches and remove dead trees entirely. Secure objects which may be blown around or torn loose -- indoors and outside. Also, make sure your home is protected as much as possible from heavy rain and flooding.
- Reduce unnecessary worry by choosing a meeting place for you and your family to relocate to, if necessary. Establish a communication system to notify each other of your whereabouts and safety, and consider designating a relative or friend that lives in another province as a key contact person.
Minister MacAleer notes that recent experiences with Hurricane Floyd on the eastern seaboard of the United States serve as a reminder of the important roles that emergency personnel play in emergency situations. "In times of emergency weather situations, always follow the advice and directions issued by emergency personnel."
"Emergency preparedness starts with the individual," states David Campbell, Acting Manager of Emergency Measures. "EMO encourages individuals to plan and prepare for emergencies now, and ensure that at least one family member has first aid training. Practicing fire safety drills, installing and inspecting smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and taking weather warnings, advisories and evacuation notices seriously can add to your personal safety." Campbell adds that September is the prime month in the June-to-November hurricane season for severe hurricane activity.
EMO also advises Islanders that the strong wave action and serious rainfall warnings issued for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia may have an effect on Prince Edward Island.
For more information contact Emergency Measures Organization at 888-8050 or Emergency Planning Canada at 566-7047.