Today@Dal

For many of us, hurricanes are a routine part of this time of year; for others, this may be the first ever hurricane you are experiencing.  When hurricanes and tropical storms come ashore, they often result in large amounts of damage and extended power and telecommunication outages.  To help minimize damage to property and risk to people, it’s critical that you are prepared in advance before the storm, and have plans for both during, and after, the storm’s arrival.

Before the hurricane, take the time to prepare your supplies and your property. 

·       Walk around your residence, securing any loose materials that may become projectiles in high winds or simply taking them inside temporarily. Trim any loose tree branches, if you are able.

·       Make sure any gutters and downspouts are in good working order.

·       Ensure items such as propane tanks and gas cans are filled and properly stored.

·       If you have a vehicle or generator — fill the tank before the storm. After the storm, gas stations may also be without power — this can make refuelling problematic.

·       Have enough food, water, and medication on hand for a minimum of 72 hours (for both people and animals).  You should ensure food supplies do not require cooking and are shelf stable, such as dried foods or canned goods.  Large pots make excellent containers for drinking and cooking water.  This is especially important, as roads may become washed out or powerlines and trees may fall across roads, restricting movement.

·       If you are on a well, be sure to fill up your bathtub with water. This supply will be important if you need to flush your toilets manually.

·       If you have a sump pump, ensure it is in good working order.

·       Fully charge any electronic devices, including external powerbricks if you have them.  If you have a streaming service subscription, especially with kids, consider downloading a few shows in the event the power is out.

·       Have a battery powered radio and flashlight on hand, including spare batteries.  In the event that telecommunication systems such as cell networks are down, radios may be the only way to get updates in the first few days.

·       A small amount of thick plastic (such as a tarp or thick dropcloth) and good adhesive tape is useful to have on hand, to cover up a window in the event it is broken during the storm.

·       If you have storm shutters, be sure they are closed and secured.

·       Have important information such as insurance policies handy, in the event they are needed.

·       If possible, fill containers full of water and freeze into blocks of ice.  You can use these frozen containers to ensure fridges/freezers stay cold longer in the event of an outage.

During the hurricane, stay inside or seek secure shelter.

·       Avoid the coastline, due to storm surges and high waves.

·       Avoid going out of doors, if at all possible. Do not go outside just to “see the storm.”

·       Stay away from windows and doors, keeping curtains closed.

·       Unplug sensitive electronics, especially those not plugged into a surge protector, to prevent damage in the event of a power surge.

·       If you lose power, be sure you turn off appliances such as stoves and other heating items that might turn back on when power is restored.  Turn off any lights, with the exception of one, to lower the load on the electrical grid when power is restored.

·       Use battery powered lights or glowsticks.  Avoid candles, due to the fire hazards.

·       Monitor radio, television, or social media, for updates.  Groups such as news media, municipal/provincial departments, and university communications such as the DalSAFE app are all excellent resources for accurate information.

After a hurricane, be sure to continue staying safe.

·       Once the storm is over, carefully survey the immediate area around your residence.  Look out for fallen trees, debris, broken natural gas or propane lines, and downed power lines.  In the event of downed power lines, or broken gas lines, be sure to avoid the area and notify the appropriate utility.  In the event of major road damage, notify your municipality or the province (as appropriate).

·       Avoid flood waters, which may be contaminated with waste or other runoff.

·       If your home has flooded, be sure to shut off the power to the area to avoid electrical risks and contact professionals to assess the mould risks.

·       Use extreme caution if clearing fallen trees.  Contact professionals for any items that may be “hung up” or if you have not been trained in the safe felling/bucking of trees and chainsaw use.  Always use appropriate PPE when cutting trees or performing repairs.

·       If your power is out - avoid opening your fridge/freezer, as this lets the heat in.  If the power is out for an extended period, properly dispose of any spoiled food.

·       Do not run items such as generators, camp stoves, and BBQ’s indoors – this can lead to dangerous levels of combustion gasses, as well as numerous fire hazards.

·       Never leave candles left burning unattended – use battery powered lights or glow sticks if possible.  Many fires have occurred from candle use during (and after) storms.

·       Be aware that systems such as smoke detectors may not be functional in the event of a power outage.  If you smell smoke, get outdoors and call for assistance.

·       If you are running power from a source such as a generator, DO NOT use male-male cords to backfeed your house.  Power should be run via approved connections only.  If you are running power using traditional extension cords, ensure they are the appropriate type for the job.  This video from the EH&S office has more information on cord selection and use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRycwGL8gEE

·       Be sure to check on friends and neighbours, especially those who may need assistance.  Community support can make all the difference in us getting through these types of events.

By understanding the risks, creating a plan, assembling an emergency kit, and staying informed, you're taking important steps to ensure the safety of your family and home. Remember, being proactive and prepared is the key to weathering any storm. Stay safe out there!