Town of Lunenburg

Emergency Management

Preparing for an Emergency

Every emergency is different. Since we can’t anticipate the exact nature of an emergency, we need a range of preparations. Only some of which will be needed depending on the situation.

While the Town makes ongoing efforts to prepare for an emergency, residents must also make their own preparations. The first step is to think about the needs of your household or family. This guide will help you:

         -   assemble an emergency supply kit;

         -   plan for special needs; and

         -   educate yourself about the Town’s plans for an emergency and how you can help by preparing yourself.

Remember to remain calm if an emergency is declared by the Town. Sometimes staying at home, even if the power goes out, is the safest and best strategy in an emergency, particularly if it is of short duration. Stay informed by watching the TV, listening to the radio and following any instructions from local emergency workers, e.g., RCMP, Fire, EMO Lunenburg.

Lunenburg Ready (357 kB)

Thunderstorms and Lightning

All thunder and lightning storms are dangerous.  Every thunderstorm produces lightning.  People struck by lightning can suffer fatal or severe injuries with a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.  Other associated dangers include tornados, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding.

“Dry thunderstorms� do not produce rain that reaches the ground because falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still strike causing fires and other damage.

Facts About Thunderstorms

• They may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines.
• Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.
• Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period.
• Warm, humid conditions are highly favourable for thunderstorm development.

Facts About Lightning

• Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property.
• Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
• “Heat lightning� is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard, but the storm may be moving in your direction.
• Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months.

Be Prepared for Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Check for weather bulletins on www.http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• “If thunder roars, go indoors�!  No place outside is safe when lightning is in the area.  Stay indoors until at least 30 minutes have passed after hearing the last clap of thunder and weather bulletins say it is safe.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords.  Unplug electronic equipment well before the storm to avoid damaging power surges.
• Avoid contact with plumbing.  Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. Do not: wash your hands; take a shower; wash dishes; or do laundry.
• Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.

• Stay inside your home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible).  Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.  The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires do not provide protection from lightning.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Close windows, blinds and curtains and secure outside doors.  Until the storm has cleared stay away from windows and doors and off porches.
• Corded telephone are not safe and should only be used for emergency calls.  Cordless and cellular telephones though are safe to use.
• Use your battery-operated radio for weather updates.

If you are:   In a forest                        

Then:   Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

If you are:   In an open area               

Then:   Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.  Be alert for flash floods.

If you are:   On open water                 

Then:   Get to land and find shelter immediately.

If you are:   Anywhere you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike) 

Then:   Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet.  Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees.  Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground.  DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

AVOID:

• Natural lightning rods such as tall, isolated trees in an open area.
• Hilltops, open fields, beaches, or a boat on the water.
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Anything metal - tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf clubs, bicycles, etc.

 

 

 

Get your free H1N1 Preparedness Guide today

www.fightflu.ca or 1 800 O-Canada