Halton Hills (Georgetown) Ontario – Environment Canada and Emergency Management Ontario is advising Hurricane Sandy is currently moving northeastward along the American Atlantic seaboard and expected to turn northwest later today making landfall in an area near New Jersey with the potential to also impact southern Ontario. Emergency Management Ontario is recommending that residents of Southern Ontario which includes Halton Hills prepare for the hurricane’s potential impacts which may include high winds, heavy rainfall with possible flooding, road closures and power outages.
Environment Canada has issued the following warning for Halton Hills, “Severe winds of 60 gusting up to 100 km/h beginning this evening. This is a warning that potentially hazardous winds are expected in these regions. Monitor weather conditions and listen for updated statements. Hurricane Sandy is forecast to track from the Atlantic Ocean into the New Jersey shoreline this evening as it transitions into a powerful post-tropical storm. Winds will increase out of the north to northeast today at 40 gusting to 60 km/h in most areas. They will intensify further this evening to 60 gusting at times to 100 km/h accompanied by heavier bands of rain as Sandy begins to move across Pennsylvania. Winds may be even stronger in the Niagara and Sarnia regions where gusts over 100 km/h are possible. They may also gust a little stronger over higher terrain. Winds will begin to ease below warning criteria on Tuesday morning. Sporadic power outages are quite likely across the warned regions due to falling limbs and the odd toppled tree taking out hydro lines
Chief Marshall advises that, “Town of Halton Hills is in a heightened state of awareness and has been monitoring the approaching storm over the past weekend. Town Emergency Preparedness staff has been following Environment Canada, Emergency Management Ontario, local conservation authorities and multiple media resources to stay abreast of information regarding the storms travel and impacts.”
The approaching storm will make streams and banks slippery and dangerous and extreme caution should be used near the local watercourses. Latest reports from Conservation Halton indicate that, “The rainfall over the weekend has resulted in high soil moisture conditions and runoff potential is now elevated, however stream flows remain below bankfull at this time. The forecasted rainfall is anticipated to increase flows to near bankfull conditions over the evening and into Tuesday and widespread flooding is not anticipated based on current forecast amounts. Conservation Halton reservoir levels are low and are functioning with large amounts of storage capacity available.” As of this morning ,Credit Valley Conservation has issued the following statement: “Water levels are currently at or near bankfull from the rain that fell since Friday. With the grounds already saturated, the predicted precipitation will result in increased water levels throughout the watershed. Flooding of low lying areas may occur. As well, areas along the Lake Ontario Shoreline may see an increased potential for flooding and erosion. Areas adjacent to watercourses, especially near culverts and intake structures, may become dangerous because of the high flows and should be avoided.” Both conservation agencies will advise as conditions change.
Halton Hills Hydro is prepared for the impending storm. Art Skidmore President and CEO of the Utility said “Our crews will be ready to respond to any power outages the storm may cause”. The Utility will have additional customer service staff available to answer customer calls and have stand by contractor crews for tree removal or power line repair if required. If you experience an outage please call our office at 519-853-3701.
There are many preparations that citizens can take to minimize damage from the storm and protect their families. They include:
o Clear all eaves troughs, downspouts and swales to direct water away from your home
o Clear roadway storm drains and culverts from accumulations of leaves and brush
o Objects that can be blown away such as garbage lids, patio furniture and Halloween decorations should be removed or brought inside
o Trim any loose tree branches
o Retrieve your Emergency Survival Kit. If you do not have an Emergency Survival Kit you need to prepare one today. Information can be found on the Town’s website at http://www.haltonhills.ca/fire/pdf/emergPrepareGuide2007.pdf
o In the event of power loss, ensure you have fresh batteries for flashlights and radios. If you have a generator make sure it is fueled up.
o Most home phones need electricity to operate so ensure your cell phone is fully charged
o Have at least a 72 hour supply of water, food, clothing, blankets, and medication
o In case ATM machines are down due to lack of power, have a supply of cash available
o If winds become extremely high take shelter in the basement storm cellar or closet under the stairs. If these are not available sit under a large sturdy piece of furniture.
o Do not use 911 unless it is a genuine emergency
o Check on the elderly and disabled neighbours. If you need assistance yourself contact a neighbour.
o Do not use charcoal, gas barbecues or home generators inside. They give off deadly carbon monoxide.
Chief Marshall adds: “This system is massive in terms of the area of land it is affecting and it is impossible to accurately predict the impact it may have on Halton Hills. Given its intensity and potential to generate rainfall, high winds and other warnings mentioned in this advisory, we should take these warnings seriously and heed the advice of experts. Let’s all work together to deal with the potential impacts of this unusual storm. Halton Hills staff will continue to monitor the storm and keep you up to date with information on this storm system. Watch our website for further updates. Should you have a non-fire related issue please call 905 873-2600.”
Mayor Rick Bonnette urges citizens to, “Listen to radio and television for the latest updates on this storm and follow any instructions from authorities. At this time there are no immediate instructions or directives to citizens, but Town staff will continue to monitor the storm and ensure Town resources are prepared should any need arise, but everyone should be ready to take care of themselves and their families too. Please take heed of the emergency preparedness tips listed above get your copy of the Personal Emergency Preparedness Guide at http://www.haltonhills.ca/fire/pdf/emergPrepareGuide2007.pdf .
For further information please contact:
Harry Olivieri
Deputy Chief Prevention and Public Education
Halton Hills Fire Department
905-873-2601 Ext. 2102
Email: harryo@haltonhills.ca
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