The City of Charlottetown would like to remind the public of the importance of a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan. Emergencies can happen anytime, and citizens should be ready to care for themselves and their families for at least 72 hours.
While the potential impacts of Hurricane Fiona are still being determined, the storm may be a potentially severe event for Atlantic Canada, including Prince Edward Island, from Friday to Saturday.
Regardless of the storm’s impact, the public should be prepared for emergencies year-round, including hurricanes, flooding or other events that could cut off electricity or other utilities. It is also advisable to be prepared in case of potential delays in emergency response or access to supplies.
The public is encouraged to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit and share its location with everyone in their home or business. Include items such as:
• a supply of water for between three and seven days;
• non-perishable food;
• a stocked First Aid kit;
• prescription and non-prescription medicines;
• formula, diapers and other baby supplies, if needed;
• a manual can opener;
• toiletries;
• battery-powered radios and flashlights with extra batteries;
• blankets and a change of clothing for each household member (in case of evacuation);
• candles and matches or a lighter;
• cash; and
• a charged cell phone.
Citizens are responsible for ensuring they can receive updates from emergency personnel, utility crews and the municipality in an emergency. The public is encouraged to have a device that can receive updates without an electricity source, such as a battery or hand crank-powered radio.
Members of the public are encouraged to sign-up for emergency alerts through the free Charlottetown Alert System. The public can receive emergency alerts via SMS (text message), email or phone. Sign up by visiting:
www.charlottetown.ca and clicking on ‘Alert System’ under the Resident Services section. (Direct link:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736726276#/signup).
To report a clogged catch basin, contact 902-894-5208 during regular business hours (after business hours, contact: 902-629-6916) so the Public Works Department can address it in advance of the rain.
For a complete list of emergency contacts and departmental contacts (during and after business hours), visit:
https://www.charlottetown.ca/contact_us
The public is also encouraged to secure loose objects such as lawn chairs, barbecues, small planters, construction materials and other debris. These items can be damaged or become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
For more suggestions on preparing for emergencies, visit:
www.getprepared.gc.ca or
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/emergencies-and-public-safety