Media Releases

Amherst residents urged to take precautions before hurricane Dorian arrives

Environment Canada has issued a tropical cyclone information statement for this coming weekend that Town of Amherst officials say should be heeded.

Amherst residents may face heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding, power outages, travel delays and road closures due to hurricane Dorian, which is expected to hit the province on Saturday, Sept. 7, and carry over until Sunday, Sept. 8.

Citizens should prepare a 72-hour emergency kit, have potable water on hand, charge their cellphones and ensure generators are fueled and operating properly.

Details of what the 72-hour emergency kit should include can be found at https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/index-en.aspx or https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/be-ready-emergency-preparedness-and-recovery/get-an-emergency-kit

Should you need to use your generator, residents are reminded to operate them according to their unit’s operating manual and:

• Never use generators, barbeques or camping equipment indoors – even in your garage – because of the high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon dioxide inside the home.
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY – DO NOT DELAY
• Avoid electrocution by keeping the generator dry
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling
• Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, out-door-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads
• Do not overload the generator

For more tips on using a generator go to: rdcrss.org/2y8Hnlt

Due to the forecasted high winds, residents should also ensure that items that could be blown away, like barbecues, flower pots, garbage cans and outdoor tables and chairs, should be stored in a safe location out of the wind.

We encourage you to work with your neighbours to identify people who may need extra help during this storm and to check in on them as the storm moves through the area.

Residents should monitor local radio stations, Twitter @TownofAmherstNS, Facebook at @townofamherstns or Cumberland Regional Emergency Management for updates.