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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
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