Preparing for Hurricane Season

As Nova Scotia enters its prime hurricane season, the Emergency Measures Organization is encouraging residents to prepare in advance for possible stormy weather.

"Although the Atlantic hurricane season stretches from June to November, September is usually the peak month," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "The best way to get ready for a hurricane is to understand what might happen and be prepared for it."

Hurricanes are violent tropical storms that blow up from the Carribean. Some are as broad as 1,000 kilometres. Another weather phenomenon, which can accompany a hurricane, is a storm surge. This occurs when a 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 arrives at the same time as high tide. This can result in severe flooding and make evacuations necessary.

Good information is key to protecting yourself and your family in an emergency. Therefore, Nova Scotians are encouraged to listen for weather advisories or warnings and to act accordingly. There are also a number of things that can be done prior to 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.

• Every family should have an emergency kit ready at all times. This kit should include: food, a supply of water, clothing, blankets, medication, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries 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 as much as 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.

"Already, we are seeing that September may be a busy month for possible hurricanes in Atlantic Canada," said the minister. "Hurricanes become very unpredictable once they hit the cold water of the North Atlantic, so it is very important to always be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way -- the best way to do that is to plan and prepare in advance."

For more information on personal emergency preparedness, how to deal with floods and what to do in an evacuation, see the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .