Preparing for Hurricane Season as Hurricane Bill Gains Strength

The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is advising the public to take necessary precautions as Hurricane Bill gains strength in the southern Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometres off St. Martin in the Caribbean as of 1:30 p.m. today, Aug. 20.

"Environment Canada indicates that this storm will maintain its hurricane status as it heads north," Ramona Jennex, Emergency Management Minister, said. "While we know that hurricanes are unpredictable, this is an opportunity to remind all Nova Scotians that the best way to keep our families safe is to be prepared."

EMO is monitoring the storm closely to ensure the most current information is available to the public.

"The most important things individuals can do is keep informed by listening for updated weather information and public safety bulletins and act accordingly," said Dennis Kelly, acting deputy head and CEO of the Emergency Management Office.

Other ways to prepare for a weather-related emergency are:

• Maintain an emergency kit, including food water, clothing, blankets, a flashlight, battery or crank-powered radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra prescription medications and copies of important papers
• Have cash on hand in case of a prolonged power outage.
• Prepare freezer packs by placing water-filled soda or plastic milk containers in deep freezers. These can be used to help keep the freezer and/or refrigerator cold in the event of a power outage.
• Choose a family shelter area away from windows. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide a good shelter in a severe storm.
• Choose a meeting place for family members and set up some form of communication to notify each other of whereabouts and safety.
• Make arrangements to help a senior or other people in the neighbourhood that may need help.
• Secure objects that could be torn loose or blown around. Protect homes as much as possible from heavy rains and floods.
• Refrain from going to coastal areas to watch a severe storm. It can be very dangerous.

Visit the EMO website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo for more information on emergency preparedness.