Red Cross ready for Hurricane Bill
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"We recommend that people create or update a household emergency plan and preparedness kit with essential items to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours,” explains Canadian Red Cross Director of Disaster Management for Atlantic Canada Bill Lawlor. “These storms may damage buildings and property, cause flash flooding and uproot trees and utility poles leading to loss of electricity and other services.”
The Canadian Red Cross works closely with public authorities and emergency management organizations throughout Atlantic Canada to plan for and coordinate hurricane response.
The hurricane season runs from June to November but major storms can occur earlier or later in the year. In 2008 the eastern provinces were impacted by five post-tropical storms, four of which caused significant damage including washed-out roads, flooded basements, toppled trees and downed utility lines and poles.
Hurricane Juan was the last major tropical storm to make landfall in Canada while still at full hurricane strength in September 2003. Seven people were killed and Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island sustained approximately $100 million in damages.
For more information on how you and your family can prepare for an emergency, please visit www.redcross.ca/prepare.
