People are having trouble getting through to the provincial help line for storm-related issues, but the minister says they have 15 RNC cadets staffing the lines.
The minister responsible for emergency preparedness, Derrick Bragg, stresses that the 729-3703 help line is for vulnerable people only. People have been trying for days to get through, but the Minister says to keep trying.
There is no answering machine because they prefer to answer each call as it comes in.
Many thanks to the @RNC_PoliceNL and @redcrosscanada for stepping up to operate the phone lines here at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. #Snowmageddon2020 #GovNL @GovNL @CSSD_GovNL pic.twitter.com/7OwgE6n2YS
— Municipal Affairs and Environment NL (@MAE_GovNL) January 21, 2020
Some examples are people who have run out of oxygen and cannot get out, or someone whose guide dog needs to get out.
Bragg says they have also taken calls from people who are out of province and wish to arrive home to a clean driveway.
That’s not where they’re at at this stage.
Meanwhile, the province has set up a text line for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing to request assistance, at 709-691-9493.
Pls share: We now have a text line available for those who are Deaf or hard of hearing to request snow clearing, access to essential medical supplies and services, and other non-emergency matters. Text 709-691-9493. #GovNL @CSSD_GovNL @GovNL @betterhearingNL @inclusionNL
— Municipal Affairs and Environment NL (@MAE_GovNL) January 21, 2020
