The Provincial Government continues to monitor forecast information on an approaching weather system with the potential to affect parts of Newfoundland and Labrador throughout the weekend (September 23 – 26).
When extreme weather is anticipated, residents are encouraged to monitor the forecast for the most up-to-date information. Regional forecast information is available from Environment Canada.
As always, the public and local governments are reminded to:
- Ensure roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris;
- Ensure appropriate provisions are made for the continuation of essential services;
- Check NL 511 via the mobile app, visit nl511.ca or call 511 to check driving condition reports and ferry schedule impacts;
- Review and have ready emergency plans;
- Take steps to ensure personal safety during the weather event; and
- Keep residents informed of potential impacts.
Residents should ensure their own personal safety and know the risks most likely in your community. You should ensure your family has an emergency plan prepared in advance of anticipated adverse weather. Some tips are:
- Have a basic emergency kit and vehicle emergency kit prepared for at least 72 hours, with food, water, batteries, a portable radio, and prescription medications.
- You should store a three day supply of water, food, and clothing for each person, including supplies for family pets.
- Have copies of documents, such as insurance, driver’s license, passport, etc.
- You should ensure an ample amount of baby supplies, such as formula and diapers.
- Have a supply of medications, medical supplies and other essential personal items.
- Plan in advance to have your vehicles fueled and to have cash on hand.
- Clear drains and basins and secure loose items around your house, such as outdoor furniture, BBQs, propane tanks and trampolines.
- Trim branches and cut down dead trees.
- Be prepared to move inland and go to higher ground.
- Ensure that boats are secured and that items outside of sheds and stages are secured such as BBQs, propane tanks and gasoline containers.
- Stay up-to-date by monitoring forecast information and local news.
Disasters and emergencies affect everyone: you, your family, your neighbours and community. People may experience barriers in emergency preparedness and emergency situations which may include accessing devices that run electrical power, elevators, accessible transportation and accessible communications.
Information on emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities and their families can be found on the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL website and on the federal website for an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities.
It is important to take care of yourself, your family and work together with your neighbours to help keep each other safe and protect lives and property. The first step in responding to a disaster as a community is getting to know the other members of your community beforehand. Engage members of your community to share information about emergency preparedness and how you can support each other. Be aware of neighbors who are elderly, people with disabilities, people with limited resources or persons who identify they need support for emergencies. This way, you know where to start when checking on the status of your neighbours following a disaster.
Visit Be Prepared for more information on what people should do to prepare for an adverse weather event, major emergency or disaster.
First responders and members of the public wishing to report urgent highway conditions, or motorists looking for recent road condition information can contact the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure:
- Avalon: 709-729-7669
- Eastern: 709-466-4160
- Central: 709-292-4444
- Western: 709-635-4144
- Labrador: 709-896-7888
Crews in the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure are preparing for the hurricane by checking culverts and ditches for debris and removing anything that may obstruct water flow.
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Media contacts
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca