Preparing for Hurricanes

As Nova Scotia enters its prime hurricane season, residents are advised to prepare well in advance for possible stormy weather.

"Although the Atlantic hurricane season stretches from June to November, September is usually the peak month," said Mike Lester, director of Nova Scotia's Emergency Measures Organization. "And like in any situation life throws at us, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Hurricanes are violent tropical storms that blow up from the Caribbean. Some are as large as 1,000 kilometres across. With the technology available to meteorologists today, they can track hurricanes and give up-to-the-minute descriptions of the storm and its expected strength when it hits Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotians are encouraged to listen for weather advisories or weather warnings and to prepare accordingly. Since electricity frequently fails during severe storms, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries are recommended.

Environment Canada and Emergency Preparedness Canada list four major steps in preparing for a weather-related emergency:

• Choose a shelter 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.

• Regardless of storm warnings, every family should have an emergency kit packed and 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.

• Take a good look around your property and take steps to reduce hazards. Trim dead or rotting branches and remove dead trees entirely. Secure objects that may be blown around or torn loose. 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 so you can find one another. An alternative is to set up some form of communication to notify each other of whereabouts and safety. Do not rely on the telephone. Phones should be reserved for emergency calls during such times.

"Another good piece of advice is listen to the experts," said Mr. Lester. "If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so immediately -- and take your emergency kit with you."

For more information on preparing for hurricanes or other severe storms, Nova Scotians should contact their municipal emergency measures co-ordinator or the provincial Emergency Measures Organization at 902-424-5620.

For further information on emergency preparedness checklists, refer to the EMO website at: www.gov.ns.ca/emo .