Storm Preparation Guidelines

When winter weather hits, it is always best to be overprepared rather than underprepared. To this end, the Municipality of the County of Inverness has prepared a downloadable and printable storm preparation checklist for residents.  Download it here: Printable Storm Checklist

Storm Preparation Guidelines

Before the storm

• Test your generator to make sure it works and have a supply of fuel ready.
• Prepare non-perishable food such as sandwiches, granola bars, and fruit. Make sure you have a supply of drinking water appropriate for the size of your family, as well as baby formula and diapers if necessary.
• If you are on a well, fill your bathtub with water so that you have a source of water if the power goes out.
• If you are using a generator that is hardwired into your home, make sure that you isolate your home from the power grid.
• Charge your devices, flashlights and radios.
• Secure any outdoor furniture or loose debris.
• If you are using a generator, make sure that it remains in a well-ventilated area OUTSIDE your home.
• Help friends and neighbours prepare similarly if necessary.
• Remember, it is always better to be overprepared than underprepared!

During the storm

• For the duration of the storm, it is important for people to follow instructions from their local government, fire department and emergency services.
• Stay off the roads and keep vehicles off the streets so that snowplows can clear roads as soon as possible.
• If you heat your home with a pellet stove, propane, or natural gas, and you have a direct exhaust system for your furnace, make sure the air inlet and exhaust outlet remain clear of snow.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to heat your house or cook inside with a BBQ or camp stove. These devices produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• If power goes out and you are using candles to light your house, makes sure that candles aren’t left unattended.
• If power goes out, conserve water diligently, especially if you are a user of a Municipal water system.
• If power goes out, make sure you turn off any appliances you had on when the power went out. Confirm your stove/oven is off.
• If power goes out, close off any rooms that aren’t being used in order to conserve heat in your home.
• If the power goes out, you can help yourself stay warm by avoiding alcohol and making sure you keep your body fueled by eating snacks and meals regularly.
• For emergencies, call 9-1-1 and do not attempt to drive yourself to a hospital or health centre.

After the storm

• If the power is still out, users of Municipal water systems must conserve water diligently.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Even if you think you recognize the line as a telephone or cable line, it could still be energized.
• When the snow stops, and you start to dig out, remember not to overexert yourself. Take frequent breaks, remain hydrated, and if you don’t feel well, stop!
• When it is safe to do so, check the snow load on the roof of your house, garage, shed or barn.
• Most importantly, check in with friends, family and neighbours to let them know you are okay.

Emergency contacts

In an emergency, call 9-1-1

Fire chiefs

Lake Ainslie Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Mike Gillis 902-224-0147

Port Hastings Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: James Cavanagh H: 902-625-0110

C: 902-302-1751

Margaree Forks Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Robert MacLeod 902-248-2115

West Bay Road Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Daniel Shaw H: 902-345-2235

C: 902-623-2469

Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Donald Francis Beaton H: 902-787-2845

C: 902-631-1078

Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Justin Usher 902-574-7504

Mabou Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Lloyd Campbell 902-945-2957

North East Margaree Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Shawn Burchell 902-248-2589

Judique Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Archie MacDonald H: 902-787-2537

C: 902-787-3401

Brigade de feu de Chéticamp Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Wayne Chiasson 902-224-0031

Blues Mills Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Carl Ferguson 902-756-2195

Inverness Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Ian Poirier 902-258-5450

Brigade de feu de LeMoine Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Alfred Aucoin H: 902-224-3529

C: 902-224-0044

Pleasant Bay Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Murray Pattingale 902-224-1239

Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: Shawn Harrison H: 902-945-2677

C: 902-623-2905

Waycobah Volunteer Fire Department

Chief: John William Cremo 902-623-1850

Inverness County RCMP Detachments

Chéticamp Office

902-224-2050

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Inverness Office

902-258-2213

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Waycobah Office

902-756-3371

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Port Hawkesbury Office

902-625-2220

Toll Free 1-800-440-1323

Other Important Numbers

Emergency Municipal Hotline

902-258-5048

Emergency Measures Organization

(Dispatches local coordinator – 24 hrs/day)

1-902-424-5620

Environmental Emergencies (24 hrs/day)

1-800-565-1633

Aircraft & Marine Distress (24 hrs/day)

1-800-565-1582

Poison Control (24 hrs/day)

1-800-565-8161