In the event of an emergency if power is lost for an extended period, Mayor Tom Rose said the Town of Stephenville is prepared.
A powerful winter storm is expected later today and into Friday.
A warm front associated with the storm will cross Newfoundland tonight and bring snow and blowing snow to most of the Island before changing to rain by Friday morning.
Winds are expected to be the biggest concern with this system with strong easterly or southeasterly winds ahead of the warm front expected for the entire island tonight.
Rose said this kind of weather is a recipe that often results in power outages.
If an extended power outage occurs, the town has the 2nd Battalion, Royal Newfoundland Regiment Armoury on the former base and the Stephenville Lions Club on Woodland Street in town central designated as temporary shelters.
Mike Campbell, town manager, said temporary generators are being tested for these facilities today should they need to be put into place.
If there is a need to initiate the Emergency Operations Centre, it will be located in the council chamber at the town hall building, where its backup generator is also being tested today.
If weather and road conditions deteriorate to the point visibility is zero and roads are blocked, equipment will be placed at the fire station and Russell’s Ambulance Service to assist with emergency calls.
Mayor Rose said in the event of an extended power outage the town has full measures in place to keep people sheltered and warm and supplied with food and water.
While if needed an Emergency Operations Centre will be in place, anyone requiring emergency assistance still need to dial 911.
Getting Prepared:
1. Emergency kit: Keep the following in a convenient place: flashlights with extra batteries, matches, candles with holders, a battery powered or windup radio and extra fuses for your electricity panel.
2. Life support equipment: People dependent upon life support equipment should always have a backup power supply available and have it checked and tested regularly.
3. Water and food: Store several clean containers with water for drinking if your water supply is dependent on electricity. If there is a danger of freezing, drain water lines and water beds. Keep non-perishable food items and a can opener in a convenient place. Do not open the refrigerator or freezer unless necessary.
4. Lighting and heating: Use candles for room lighting and flashlights for moving around. Never leave small children or pets alone in a room with a lit candle. Keep doors and drapes closed. If you have a wood stove or fireplace, light it before the house cools down. Don’t use camp stoves, barbecues or kerosene heaters indoors because they produce poisonous fumes.
5. Portable or back-up generators: Do not plug a portable generator into the wiring system of a home or building. This action could result in serious injury to utility workers. Plug individual appliances directly into the portable generator.
