Hurricane Larry is roaring towards Newfoundland, and the St. John’s Regional Fire Department wants to make sure people are staying safe when the storm makes landfall.
Gary Power, Fire Prevention Officer with the department, echoes the sentiments that people need to be prepared for the storm by securing outside items and having water, food, and batteries on hand.
Power asks people to be cautious about what they’re doing during the storm.
For example, if a generator is being used people should be mindful of where it is located. He says they have to be located outside, away from windows, doors, and any other ventilation intakes.
As well, Power reminds people not to use cooking devices intended for outdoor use, such as BBQs, indoors.
He notes that the department doesn’t recommend using candles. However, if they are used, he reminds that they should never be left unattended, and they should never be lit in areas where children and pets are active.
Minister John Hogan says the emergency operations division is on "high alert," noting that storms are unpredictable and they will be monitoring for anything that can happen @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/0ehBRolCyG
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) September 9, 2021
The provincial government says they are prepared to react to whatever impacts Hurricane Larry brings to the island.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless says crews are monitoring debris around ditches, culverts and the like in preparation.
Loveless simply states that they’re ready for Larry, but he reminds everyone to be proactive with storm preparation. He says he knows, for example, where water can cause problems on his property, but he’s ready for if that happens.
The RNC is also preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Larry. They have ensured that their generators at RNC Headquarters and patrol cars have enough fuel, and tests have been run on an alternate communications center to receive calls if needed.
All patrol units are prepared to use cell phones for communications should radio interference occur. The RNC say they are equipped to respond to emergency calls during the storm.
