AMHERST, N.S. — It’s a message Mike Johnson repeats each time severe weather threatens Cumberland County – be prepared.
With hurricane Dorian churning off the Atlantic seaboard near the Carolinas and expected to arrive in Nova Scotia Saturday as a Category 1 hurricane or a strong tropical storm, Johnson is reminding people that the time is now to get ready.
“A lot can change with the track between now and Saturday, when it’s expected to come ashore east of Halifax, but saying that everyone needs to prepare,” the Cumberland County EMO co-ordinator said. “Everyone should have an emergency kit and be prepared to be without help for 72 hours.”
With Cumberland County expected to be at the west of the storm, Johnson said the area will see more rain than wind, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the winds gust to 80 or 90 km/h at the height of the storm.
He suggests people look around their properties at items that may blow around or cause damage. He said it would be wise to secure items that could be caught in the wind and to put away things like patio furniture.
With wind and heavy rain, he said, there’s the potential for power outages and he is urging caution with the use of generators in a power outage or bringing barbecues inside homes to cook during the storm.
Almost as important, he said, is to stay off the roads.
“If it rains as heavy as it’s forecasted, there will be significant water on the roads and there’s the risk of things like washouts or flooded roads. The best advice i can give is to stay home,” he said.
As of Thursday afternoon, some models are suggesting that up to 100 mm of rain could fall on the area beginning later Saturday and continuing into Sunday.
Although it had been dry between mid-July and late August, more than 120 mm of rain fell across the county (especially in the Parrsboro) area last week when the remnants of tropical depression Erin passed through Nova Scotia.
The heavy rain in a short period from that storm caused some damage to roads around Parrsboro. That, he said, drives home the need to stay at home at the height of the storm.
Johnson said people should keep up to date on forecasts, listen to the radio and follow the regional EMO on social media. Johnson will be providing regular updates throughout the storm.
Following the storm, he is also suggesting people check on their neighbours, especially seniors, to see if help is needed.
Details of what a 72-hour emergency kit should include can be found at https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/index-en.aspx or https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/be-ready-emergency-preparedness-and-recovery/get-an-emergency-kit
