Emergency officials are also advising of potential damage, flooding and power outages and letting residents know what they can do to be prepared.
NOVA SCOTIA
Officials from Nova Scotia Power, the Office of Emergency Management and the Canadian Red Cross all say they are ready to respond to whatever Hurricane Fiona brings to the region. Officials are also reminding residents to do the basics, such as having an emergency kit, enough food and water to last 72 hours and making sure electronic devices are fully charged. Emergency kit items to include are:
water supply for three to seven days non-perishable food a stocked first aid kit prescription and non-prescription drugs formula, diapers and other baby items if needed a manual can opener products for treatment Battery powered radios and flashlights with extra batteries blankets and a change of clothes for each member of the household (in case of evacuation) candles and matches or a lighter cash a charged cell phone
In Halifax, the municipality says the biggest threat to homes and property is flying debris. HRM reminds everyone to bring or secure anything that can be picked up by the wind.
Nova Scotia Power says it has mobilized more than 500 field resources ahead of the storm, and while it says investments continue to be made in efforts to clear trees around power lines, officials continue to monitor conditions. “The wind speeds in this event are very significant, so there could be trees coming into contact with power lines causing outages based on the sheer magnitude of the wind speeds that come with this weather system,” said Sean Borden with Nova Scotia Power. “We make sure we have our volunteer workforce ready, that our logistics supplies are easily accessible and can be dispatched as needed, and then we work with our municipal and provincial partners on the services to be provided. and to include, put together shelters,” said Ancel Langille of the Canadian Red Cross. Construction sites are also working to ensure that there is no damage. “I think we’re going to do everything we can to make sure everything is tied down, bolted down — anything that can fly away,” said Justin Callinan, the project manager at a Russell Street site in Halifax. “It’ll be hidden somewhere safe. Or, it’ll be bolted to something that doesn’t go anywhere.” In Cape Breton, residents living in the Sydney flood zone know all too well the damage and destruction a weather system like Fiona can cause. “You don’t want to create panic, but you want to make sure people are prepared for it and it’s definitely beyond what we’re used to. People should take it seriously,” said Sydney resident Wayne McKay. Hardware stores are also feeling the pressure. A Sydney department store said they were struggling to keep up with demand for generators this week. “We’ve sold 10 to 12 since yesterday afternoon I think and we’ve got a few left but they’re going really fast,” said Vince MacLellan, a manager at a Sydney department store. Department stores in the Halifax area are feeling the same pressures. Paul Rainville was taking a portable charger for electronic devices Wednesday in preparation for the big storm. Having just moved from Ottawa, the approaching storm is his first hurricane since the 1950s. “When I was four years old, I was rocked in Ottawa by Hurricane Hazel and I still remember the strong winds,” Rainville said. During a press conference in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, the main message was for Maritimers to monitor the weather and be prepared for the worst. “I would say that any flood-prone area should expect the same, and another risk that comes with that is the evacuation of roads. So travel during this time is strongly discouraged,” said Christina Lamey from the regional municipality of Cape Breton.
NEW BRUNSWICK
In New Brunswick, boat owners at the Shediac Bay Yacht Club were scrambling to get their boats out of the water ahead of Hurricane Fiona’s arrival this weekend. In September 2019, Tropical Storm Dorian capsized dozens of boats and caused nearly $2 million in damage. “It was a big storm when Dorian came through and it was a big mess,” said Gerry O’Brien, manager at the Shediac Yacht Club. “I had a sailboat on top of my electric boat for a couple of days and we had to move it,” boat owner Denise Arsenault said. “I want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I think we’ve all learned our lessons.” Storm preparations were also underway at Pointe-Du-Chêne Wharf in Pointe-Du-Chêne, NB “We’re going all out. We’ll install hurricane lines for our docks to protect our boats, but boaters will have to get their boats out before the storm hits,” said Victor Cormier, general manager at Pointe-Du-Chêne. Wharf. Shediac Mayor Roger Caissie told CTV News that over the next few days, city staff will pick up any items that could fall, such as park benches and trash cans.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The City of Charlottetown is also reminding residents of the importance of a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan. During a press conference Wednesday, the PEI Emergency Management Agency says islanders can expect some impacts from Hurricane Fiona as early as Friday. “September is the most active time for the Atlantic hurricane season and the best way to be prepared is to make sure our emergency plans are up to date and our kits are fully stocked. That means making sure we have enough supplies for at least 72 hours,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Darlene Compton. “It’s also important to check on our loved ones and neighbors who may need an extra set of hands to prepare for what Fiona may bring.” PEI EMO is currently reviewing and testing business continuity plans with government agencies, partner agencies, municipalities and community organizations to support them in their preparedness efforts. “We’re going to have power outages. There’s going to be trees down. Our trees are deciduous, so it creates a little bit of a canopy environment that’s a lot easier for trees to uproot,” said Tanya Mullally, the PEI EMO director. Residents are encouraged to restock emergency preparedness kits to include provisions such as additional food, water, heat and fuel supplies that will sustain households for up to five days. PEI is also working on plans to set up an indoor shelter Thursday through Sunday at a community hall in Charlottetown. “I spoke with Minister McKay earlier today who assures me that his agencies are finalizing plans to help support local islanders, including those who are precariously housed,” Compton said. It’s still unclear if and when Hurricane Fiona will affect the island, but emergency officials are taking the threat seriously and say islanders should do the same. Emergency officials are also advising island residents to stay home once the storm begins, not only for safety reasons, but to give recovery crews the space they need to clean up. With files from CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko, Kyle Moore, Jack Morse and Derek Haggett.
