Nova Scotians Urged to be Ready for Hurricanes

Hurricane experts are predicting a relatively normal season for serious tropical storms, which may mean less activity than recent years.

But the Emergency Management Office is reminding people that even one major storm can cause serious damage.

Justice Minister Ross Landry said Nova Scotians should always be ready for severe weather.

"It's a fact of life in our province," the minister said. "Estimating the number of tropical storms and hurricanes is an interesting exercise. But Nova Scotians remember Juan, and they know from experience that one such storm is more than enough."

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today, May 24, predicted that the level of hurricane activity in the North Atlantic Ocean this year will be near normal levels. However, that means a predicted nine to 15 named storms, four to eight hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes.

Environment Canada's Canadian Hurricane Centre said in a typical year only one or two named storms directly affect Canadian land areas and two or three others are concerns offshore.

"There is very little correlation between the number of storms that form in the North Atlantic and the number that make their way into Canadian waters," Environment Canada meteorologist Bob Robichaud said.

The centre, which is based in Dartmouth, said the severity and not the number of storms is the concern.

The risks from Hurricanes and other tropical storms include extreme winds, torrential rains, localized flash flooding, prolonged power outages and storm surges.

Proper preparation include having:

• enough food and water for all household members for three days
• flashlights and batteries and an auxiliary powered radio
• an alternative cooking device such as a camp stove or barbecue, with adequate fuel for a few days
• freezer packs of milk and juice, and frozen cartons of water which will also help keep food cold in a refrigerator during power outages
• a packed "go-kit" with food and water, key documents, cash and some clothing.

These precautions will also help in case of an evacuation for a forest fire or other disaster.

If a serious storm is approaching, people should monitor local media and heed weather warnings. They should secure outdoor items such as garbage cans that can become wind-borne dangers, park cars away from trees, stay away from dangerous coastal areas and turn off electrical switches during power outages.

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/emo and www.getprepared.ca/ .