With the peak of Atlantic Hurricane season just days away, the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, is encouraging residents to know the risks and take action to be prepared for extreme weather events.
Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather and weather-related events. The recent experiences of Hurricane Fiona and the wildfires in Central Newfoundland have shown a need to provide timely and accurate information to the public before and during potential life-threatening events.
Personal preparedness is critical to the success when managing an emergency situation. In addition to visiting the Be Prepared website for emergency best practices and alerts, the public and local governments are reminded to:
- Ensure roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris;
- Ensure appropriate provisions are made for the delivery of services;
- Check NL 511 via the mobile app, visit nl511.ca or call 511 to check driving condition reports;
- Prepare and update emergency plans; and
- Take steps to ensure personal safety during the weather event.
Families are encouraged to develop their own emergency plans in advance of anticipated adverse weather. Tips for preparing a plan, as well as items to include in an emergency kit, can be found in the backgrounder.
Disasters and emergencies affect everyone. 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.
To further enhance public safety during potential life-threatening events, residents will be able to access a new tool through www.gov.nl.ca. If a major emergency is deemed imminent, such as a major hurricane about to make landfall, a new emergency preparedness webpage will be activated. The webpage acts as a single source of information and is intended to improve communication with the public ahead of, during, and after an emergency. The webpage will be accessible from government’s homepage, is easy to use, mobile-friendly and will be deactivated once the threat has passed.
This new tool is another way the Provincial Government is preparing residents for increasingly common, extreme weather and weather-related events.
People are encouraged to share their knowledge about emergency preparedness and to help support each other. Be aware of neighbours who are elderly, people with disabilities, people with limited resources or persons who identify they need support for emergencies.
Quote
“Recent major storms and fires in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across the world, have shown the importance of preparing residents to deal with increasingly frequent weather-related emergencies. By being prepared and visiting our website for accurate information, we are equipping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the tools to stay safe and be prepared.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
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BACKGROUNDER
Tips for Preparing an Emergency Management Plan and Emergency Kit Checklist
Residents should ensure their own personal safety and know the risks most likely in their 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;
- Secure loose items around your house and clear drains and basins;
- Trim branches and cut down dead trees;
- Be prepared to move inland and go to higher ground; and
- Stay up-to-date by monitoring forecast information and local news.
In case of an adverse weather event or major emergency or disaster, you will need some basic supplies set aside. You should always be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours to allow emergency workers to focus on those of most urgent need. The kit should include:
- Two litres of drinking water per person/per day;
- Non-perishable canned and dried foods;
- Manual can opener and disposable plates and utensils;
- Prescription glasses/contact lenses and supplies;
- Prescription medications/medical equipment;
- Personal hygiene items;
- Extra water for washing (if possible);
- First aid kit;
- Battery-operated radio;
- Battery-operated flashlight;
- Extra batteries;
- Phone charger and battery bank;
- Cash;
- Car and house keys;
- Change of clothing and footwear per person;
- Copy of personal documents (Identification, insurance and bank account information. This should be stored electronically or placed in a waterproof bag);
- Home emergency plan with contact numbers; and
- Blanket or sleeping bag per person.
For those with babies, toddlers and children consider:
- Formula;
- Diapers;
- Bottles;
- Wipes; and
- Games, books, crafts.
If you have a pet add:
- Pet food;
- Water;
- Bowls;
- Leash; and
- Kennel.
Emergency kits should be stored in a dry place, in an easy to carry container or backpack, and all family members should know where it is located.
Plan in advance to have your vehicles fueled and to have cash on hand. Gas pumps and bank machines will not work during power outages. Drivers should also consider packing an emergency kit for their vehicle.