The PEI Emergency Measures Organization is encouraging Islanders to prepare for Hurricane Season. Once again experts around the world are predicting an above normal level of tropical hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean this year.
The Canadian Hurricane Centre, located in Halifax, NS, reminds Canadians that anytime there’s a prediction of increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic, it means that there’s a greater chance that one or more of these storms will make their way northwards and affect Canada.
The key to hurricane protection is preparation. By taking sensible measures before, during, and after a hurricane, Islanders can be better prepared.
“By working together and having preparations in place prior to an emergency, Islanders can be better prepared to protect themselves which can lead to the protection of both people and property,” said Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization.
The hurricane season officially runs from June through November when the waters of the Atlantic are warm enough to produce tropical hurricanes.
Last September, Hurricane Juan reminded Islanders that Prince Edward Island is not immune to this type of weather and we cannot become complacent about these kinds of storms. Juan entered the record books as the most widely destructive Atlantic Hurricane in more than 100 years.
For additional information and updates on hurricanes visit the Environment Canada Hurricane Centre at http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane.
For information on preparing for storms please visit the Emergency Measures Organization Web site at www.gov.pe.ca/commcul/emo/ or phone (902) 888-8090.
HURRICANE FACT SHEET
When there is a Hurricane Warning issued for your area, there are a number of precautions which can be taken to help minimize damages to property and protect the safety of you and your family.
Before:
Check your insurance. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for the range of risks in your community.
Arrange for a meeting place ahead of time with family members. When a severe storm strikes, members of your household may be at work, school or a friend's place.
Keep well informed by listening to the latest warnings and advisories on radio, television, or the Canadian Hurricane Centre Web site. Make sure you have a battery operated radio and spare batteries.
Secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose - both indoors and outdoors. Flying objects such as garbage cans, lawn furniture and unsecured metal roofing can injure people and damage property. Trim dead or rotting branches and remove dead trees entirely
Power is vulnerable during a hurricane and can be lost for extended periods of time due to the high winds. Store drinking water in containers and tubs; have food available that needs no refrigeration or little cooking; make sure flashlights are available as well as spare batteries. If you require special health arrangements make those ahead of time in case you loose power or have to evacuate.
In case you may have to evacuate, make sure your emergency supply kit is readily available: it should include a first aid kit, food and bottled water, cash, medication (at least one week supply), personal supplies, special items for infants, or elderly and a change of clothing. If you are in doubt about evacuating prior to the hurricane, keep in mind that roads to safer areas may become flooded and impassable before the main portion of the storm arrives.
During:
Plan to stay home during the hurricane if your house is out of danger and is well built. It is important to remain indoors during a hurricane. Stay away from windows and outer walls. It is extremely dangerous to travel or move about when the winds and tides are whipping your area.
Keep well informed by listening to the latest warnings and advisories on the radio and TV.
If the calm storm centre passes directly over your area, there will be a lull in the wind and sudden calm that may last for a few minutes to half an hour or more. Stay in a safe place during this time, and remember the second half of the circular storm will sweep over your area.
After
Listen to your radio for updated information and listen to see if it is safe to be on the roads. Drive cautiously and only if necessary. Debris, broken power lines and washed out roads and bridges will make driving dangerous after a severe storm.
Unless you are asked to help or are qualified to give assistance, please stay away from damaged areas.
Leave the telephone lines free for official use, do not use the telephone, except in real emergencies.
If the power has been off for several hours, check the food in the refrigerator and freezer to make sure it has not spoiled.
For additional information and updates on hurricanes we encourage you to visit the Environment Canada Hurricane Centre at http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane.
For information on preparing for storms please visit the Emergency Measures Organization Web site at www.gov.pe.ca/commcul/emo/ or phone (902) 888-8090.