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City Activating Emergency Operations Centre As Earl Approaches
Fredericton (September 2, 2010) – The City of Fredericton will activate its Emergency Operations Centre Friday morning as Hurricane Earl churns up the Atlantic coastline towards Atlantic Canada.
“Our Emergency Measures Organization team has been watching the storm track very closely and we are preparing for any and all possibilities,” said Fredericton Police Chief Barry MacKnight, Director of the Fredericton EMO. “We will keep in close contact with the New Brunswick EMO and stay on top of things as the storm approaches and be ready in case of any emergency.”
Current forecasts call for Hurricane Earl to make landfall in vicinity of Western Nova Scotia and the southwest coast of New Brunswick early Saturday morning. It is very likely that Fredericton will experience 100 km/hour winds and up to 80 mm of rain in a six-hour window. There could be prolonged periods of high winds.
“The high winds could blow down trees and cause power interruptions and that much rain could cause significant flooding in flood-prone areas of the City,” said Chief MacKnight. “Residents should pay close attention to weather forecasts over the next few days and prepare themselves by securing items around their yards and preparing for possible power outages.”
The City’s EMO has representation from most City departments. It also includes representatives from several outside agencies including: Senior Watch; District 18; St. John Ambulance; the New Brunswick EMO; Samaritan’s Purse Canada; the Barker’s Point Lions Club; the Nashwaaksis Y’smen Club; NB Power; UNB; the Red Cross; York Sunbury Search and Rescue; Bayshore; Enbridge, New Brunswick; York Manor; Fredericton SPCA; Fredericton Amateur Radio Club; ComCare; Greater Fredericton Airport Authority; Oromocto Fire Department; Village of New Maryland; St. Mary’s First Nation; NB Health & Wellness; Aliant; River Valley Health; Meals On Wheels; and others.
“The bottom line is we are definitely going to feel the impact of this storm with potentially strong winds and heavy rain on Saturday,” said the City’s Public Safety & Environment Committee Chair Eric Megarity. “The public should certainly pay close attention and consider the weather when making plans for the weekend and be prepared.”
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Media Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton (506)-460-2227.
