Nova Scotians urged to prepare for Teddy

By Steve Gow

Hurricane Teddy is expected to impact the Atlantic region on Tuesday or Wednesday, and while the exact location where the storm will land remains unclear, the Canadian Red Cross is advising people to get prepared this weekend.

Spokesman Dan Bedell says many people just don't plan enough when it comes to hurricanes and that can be avoided with a 72-hour emergency kit that meets the needs of individual households.

“Each is going to have some unique requirements and challenges in the aftermath of a hurricane so we would encourage people to take a look at the risks and plan now what their response to that would be,” said Bedell.

He added that, in any event, an emergency plan should include some basic requirements. That includes stocking up on ready-to-eat food that doesn't require electricity to cook, getting some cash in case power outages cause disruption to ATMs and credit or debit transactions. He also urges people to ensure vehicles are fuelled up.

“You can probably charge a phone if you access to a vehicle just by using the plug-in chargers that are there,” said Bedell. “But does that vehicle have enough gas in it to either get where you need to go if evacuated or be a supplemental device for charging those devices?”

He also reminds residents to take this weekend to secure loose items in yards or bring them indoors.

He adds that the Candian Red Cross website has further resources on preparing for emergencies, and he encourages people to read through those resources.

In addition, the HRFE emergency management web page has more information on how to be prepared for a range of disasters and emergencies. 

Teddy is expected to be a significant wind event, but Bedell says there are things people can do in advance to get ready.

The province's Emergency Management Office sent out a news release Friday afternoon encouraging Nova Scotians to start preparing.

“Stores often have longer lineups in advance of a storm, and physical distancing of two metres (six feet) and mask wearing are still required,” it said.

EMO suggests taking the weekend to go through this basic checklist:

  • enough food and water for 72 hours
  • monitoring local media outlets for updates
  • securing gates, doors and windows
  • moving yard furniture and securing trash cans, hanging plants and anything that can be picked up by wind
  • checking radio batteries
  • filling vehicles with gas and parking them away from trees
  • keeping pets inside
  • moving any type of watercraft to high ground
  • ensuring the safety of you and your family
  • checking on neighbours
  • if the power goes out, do not leave candles unattended

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