Frigid weather means be prepared

Co-ordinator with Regional Emergency Management Office advises households to have emergency kits

John Davison is someone who keeps a close eye on the weather.

He isn’t a meteorologist but rather a co-ordinator with Regional Emergency Management Office – Pictou County who is on the lookout for anything Mother Nature might throw his way.

“Prior to the arrival of a storm, people are asked to be prepared with water and food in their house that will last them 72 hours,” he said.

REMO communicates and coordinates with local emergency personnel and the public to help everyone survive unpredictable weather that might come to Pictou County in any season.

During the winter months, it watches road conditions, possible power outages and the need for emergency relief in the form of warming centres after a storm passes by.

Davison said power outages are a major concern in the winter months because some people rely on electricity to heat their homes. If alternative heat sources are used, such as wood stoves, it is recommended that they are cleaned and checked regularly to prevent flue fires.

Electricity also affects how people communicate, especially those who rely solely on cellphones. Davison said it is a good idea to have a portable battery charged and ready to go so that people can use it as a backup.

REMO has a Twitter account it updates regularly and a crank radio is also a useful tool for homeowners wanting to keep informed when the power is out.

Regarding cold weather, he said people to need to keep a close eye on children to make sure they are not subject to frostbite or hypothermia.

“Be very careful going for a walk,” he said. “There is a lot of ice on the ground.”

The old campaign slogan, “Arrive Alive” is also a helpful reminder that people need to take precautions on the roads. If poor weather is forecast, people should give themselves extra time for driving or make alternative plans.

Const. Ken MacDonald with the New Glasgow Regional Police said it is important for motorists to have their vehicles checked for regular maintenance and make sure their tires are for winter driving. He said emergency kits in vehicles have also been known to save lives.

“Plan your route and let someone know your destination and arrival time,” he said. “If you do get into a snow bank and can’t move, stay in the vehicle, run the engine sporadically and be aware of the exhaust. Use a flashlight and try not to fall asleep.”