We may have been blessed with some sunny skies this week, but it’s hard to know when Nova Scotia’s weather might take a turn for the worst.
That’s why the Canadian Red Cross is reminding Maritimers to plan for potential natural disasters, which includes putting together an emergency kit that will last for at least three days.
Ancel Langille, the organization’s manager of disaster services for Nova Scotia, said yesterday basic supplies include water, medication, canned food and a can opener, a flashlight and batteries, pet food and copies of important documents.
The Red Cross says most Canadians don’t take the steps necessary to prepare themselves in case of emergency.
“After every disaster, it’s easier to promote being personally prepared,” Langille told reporters following the launch of an annual Red Cross fundraising campaign at the West End Mall Walmart on Halifax’s Mumford Road. “They usually don’t realize they need it until the disaster (has) struck.”
Environment Canada meteorologist Herb Thoms said yesterday the outlook issued in May shows “near normal-slightly above normal” storm activity this hurricane season.
“They call for nine to 14 named storms and four to seven would be hurricanes,” he said from Gander, Nfld. But he emphasized “it’s not the number that matters.”
“It’s just that you’re prepared for the one hurricane or tropical storm that may come through,” Thoms said. American agency the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is expected to release another outlook on this year’s storm season today.
