With an intense, and powerful storm expected to hammer New Brunswick starting Sunday, the Emergency Measures Organization is reminding residents to prepare as much as possible.
Will you know what to do when an #nbstorm arrives? Get the info you need: https://t.co/V1PxIrWIYV pic.twitter.com/Row2VhPaC0
— NBEMO / OMUNB (@NBEMO_OMUNB) January 17, 2019
Spokesperson Geoffrey Downey recommends putting together a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit for your home.
“A kit should include things like water, food, batteries, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio,” says Downey. “Even things you might not think of like cash in small bills in case things like ATMs are unavailable.”
He adds with major storms where there will be different kinds of precipitation, the possibility of multi-day power outages climbs.
“So people need to be familiar with how to properly operate things like generators, devices that use kerosene oil or gas for heating as well, and if they need tips for how to operate these devices safely, you can find them online,” says Downey.
Lastly, he says unless it is absolutely crucial you be out on the roads, you should stay home.
“That becomes a potential safety hazard for first responders who do have to be out there, and plow operators as well,” says Downey. “But if you do find yourself in a case where there’s an emergency, and you do have to be on the road, let someone know how you’re getting to your destination, and when you expect to be there so someone can keep track of you.”
https://t.co/FB0lBB9fo9 pic.twitter.com/gDraOSKkTY
— NBEMO / OMUNB (@NBEMO_OMUNB) January 18, 2019
Downey says the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has just launched this week a 511 Twitter account to help inform the public about road conditions.