Preparing for Hurricane Fiona: What You Need to Know

This weekend will be a bit rough for many Nova Scotians. Meteorologists expect the hurricane to merge with a trough. It will transform into a hurricane-force cyclone on Saturday. This Category 4 storm could be one of the strongest storms on record that Atlantic Canada has ever experienced.

As of midday Friday, Hurricane Fiona was centered more than 750 kilometres (470 miles) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, racing northeast at 56km/h (35 mph). A hurricane watch has now officially been issued for the Halifax Regional Municipality, along with a rainfall warning which was activated as of Thursday afternoon.?

Nova Scotians are being asked to take steps now to get ready for the weather conditions. Since this storm will likely result in extended power outages, proactive preparedness is needed.?

Here are some of what the province's Emergency Management Office offered up in regards to preparing for a hurricane in general:

• Have enough food and water for 72 hours
• Monitor local media outlets for updates
• Secure gates, doors, and windows
• Move yard furniture and secure trash cans, hanging plants, and anything that can be picked up by the wind
• Check radio batteries
• Fill vehicles with gas and park them away from trees
• Keep pets inside
• Move any type of watercraft to high ground
• Ensure the safety of you and your family
• Check on neighbours
• If the power has gone out, do not leave candles unattended

For commercial and industrial buildings, extra caution is necessary to minimize the possible damage. Your actions can help protect your facility as well as your valued employees. Here are some essential tips for commercial/industrial buildings' preparedness for a hurricane:

• Know and activate your disaster response. Remind the employees of all extreme weather-related policies and procedures.
• Make sure all emergency supplies are adequately stocked.
• Make sure your critical data is securely backed up
• Bring in exterior displays, signs, or any other items that could be airborne in high winds. If you can't bring them in, secure them tightly.?
• Disconnect all unessential electrical devices. It is also recommend turning off the electricity at the power supply box (except for those circuits running refrigerators).
• Move equipment and furniture away from windows.
• Board up windows or tape an "X" over them to prevent shattering.?
• After all employees are safely evacuated, shut down non-critical building systems.?

Be safe!