Preparing for Hurricane Season

September is the peak month for hurricanes in this province and the Emergency Measures Organization is advising Nova Scotians to be prepared.

"We have three words of advice: prepare, prepare, prepare," said Jamie Muir, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization. "Despite successes in tracking storms and predicting paths and severity, there is one way to help prevent these weather events from inflicting maximum damage. That is to be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way."

Hurricanes are violent tropical storms that blow up from the Caribbean, some as broad as 1,000 kilometres. Meteorologists can give up-to-the-minute descriptions of the storm and its expected strength when it hits Atlantic Canada.

Another weather phenomenon which can accompany hurricanes is a storm surge. This occurs when the low atmospheric pressure associated with an intense storm causes the level of the ocean to rise. Storm surges are particularly dangerous when an intense storm, such as a hurricane, arrives at the same time as high tide. They can result in severe flooding and make evacuation necessary. Nova Scotians are encouraged to listen for weather advisories or warnings and to act accordingly.

Emergency management agencies list four major steps in preparing for a weather-related emergency:

• Choose a shelter for you and your family. For example, a basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide good shelter in a severe storm. Alternatively, sitting underneath a sturdy piece of furniture on the ground floor and away from outside walls and windows can provide protection.

• Every family should have an emergency kit ready at all times. This kit includes: food, clothing, blankets, medication, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water- purification tablets and a first-aid kit.

• Reduce hazards on your property. 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 to the extent possible from heavy rains or floods.

• Choose a meeting place for you and your family. Identifying in advance a place to meet during an emergency can significantly reduce worry and stress. It may be easier to set up some form of communication to notify each other of whereabouts and safety. Do not rely on the telephone; even if service is not disrupted, phone lines should be reserved for emergency calls during such times.

"Experts are predicting that this will be a busy year for hurricanes in Atlantic Canada," said the minister. "But with or without the threat of hurricanes, we advocate emergency preparedness year round."

For more information on personal emergency preparedness, how to deal with floods and what to do in an evacuation, call the provincial Emergency Measures Organization at 902-424-5620 or visit the website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo . Nova Scotians can also contact their local emergency measures co-ordinator.