Severe StormSWHAt to Do?

tABLe oF CoNteNtS

Introduction ...........................................................................1

Are my family, my home, and my business safe from severe storms? ..............................................................2

Know the risks .......................................................................2

Advisories & warnings in Alberta...........................................3

Tips to get prepared for severe storms .................................4

Make an emergency plan ....................................................10

Get an emergency 72 hour preparedness kit ......................11

Steps to protect your home ................................................12

Safeguard important documents .........................................13

Resources ............................................................................14

ACKNoWLeDGemeNtS:Public Safety Canada, Environment Canada, Emergency Preparedness Canada, Government of Alberta - Alberta Environment, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

1SEVERE STORMS - WHAT TO DO?

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INtroDUCtIoNSevere storms are events that can affect all communities at any time within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Environment Canada tracks all weather systems in order to mitigate their potential effects, but some severe storms can strike without notice and have long lasting effects in our region. They can take on many forms: thunderstorms, hail, blizzards, ice storms, and heavy rain; developing quickly and threatening life and property.

PrePAreDNeSS IS tHe KeY. . .

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to reduce the impact of severe storms in the communities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Individuals, whether at home or work, play an important role. There are a number of important steps you can take to prepare your family, safeguard your property and protect personal items that cannot be replaced.

This pamphlet was created to help answer questions and, more importantly, to provide information on what you need to do to protect yourself against future severe storm threats.

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Are mY FAmILY, mY Home, AND mY BUSINeSS SAFe From Severe StormS?

KNoW tHe rISKS:

Severe storms are a natural occurring event in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Various types of storms can strike at any time of the year. When one strikes, visit Environment Canada’s weather office website and listen to local media broadcasts for severe weather warnings and information. Keep a battery operated or wind-up radio on hand as power outages can occur during many weather events.

Everyone should take responsibility for protecting their homes and their families. During a severe storm, you and your family should be prepared to cope on your own for at least 72 hours; it may take this long for first responders to reach you.

You can greatly lessen the impact of a severe storm by taking the time to prepare in advance. This involves three basic steps:

• Findoutabouttherisks and the type of storms in your region.• Makeafamilyemergency plan, so that everyone knows what to do, and where to go in case of an emergency.• Getan72 Hour Preparedness Kit, so that you and your family can be self- sufficient for at least 72 hours during a severe storm.

SEVERE STORMS - WHAT TO DO?

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ADvISorIeS & WArNINGS IN ALBertAOne of the services that Alberta Environment provides is timely information on forecasts and advisories in effect. It is important to understand their meaning:

BLIZZArD

Visibility less than one km due to snow or blowing snow; a combination of wind and temperature to result in wind chills 1600 or higher; conditions lasting four hours or more.

DUSt StormVisibility less than one km due to dust; wind speed greater than 40 km/hr; and these conditions will last six hours or more.

FreeZING rAIN Freezingrainforonehourormore.

FroSt

Temperature expected to fall below zero during the months of June, July and August and major damage is expected. Not issued once the temperature of minus three or colder has been recorded.

HeAvY rAIN Rain accumulations of 50 mm or more within 24 hours

HeAvY SNoW Snow accumulations of 10 cm or more within 24 hours.

WIND Wind speed 60 km/hr and/or gusts to 100 km/h or more

WIND CHILLWind chill values of 2200 or greater when no blizzard warning is in effect.

Real time warnings providing information on severe storms are available through the Alberta Environment website at: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/warnings/ab_e.html

tIPS to Get PrePAreD ForSevere StormSBeFore:

• Trimdeadbranchesandcutdowndeadtreestoreducethedangerofthese falling onto your home during a storm.• Cleangutters,drainsanddownpipes.• Makesureyourroofisingoodrepair.• Preparea72HourPreparednessKit.

WHeN A Storm IS ImmINeNt:

• When a severe storm is on the horizon, Environment Canada will issue weather warnings through the weather office website, automated telephone information lines and its “weather radio” service. Radio and television stations will also broadcast Environment Canada weather statements. Pay attention to that information.• Alwayschecktheweatherforecastbeforeheadingoutonthewaterorout into the back country. Do not go boating in a storm. If you are on the water and see bad weather approaching, head for shore immediately. Remember tofileasailplanwitharesponsibleperson,andfrequentlymonitortheVHF marine or weather radio broadcast throughout your trip. Before heading out on an All-Terrain-Vehicle, let your family or friends know your intended travel route. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.• Secureeverythingthatmightbeblownaroundortornloose-indoorsand outdoors.Flyingobjectssuchasgarbagecansandlawnfurniturecaninjure people and damage property.• Considergoingtotheshelteredareathatyouandyourfamilyidentifiedin your emergency plan and ensure you are carrying a vehicle emergency kit.

4 5SEVERE STORMS - WHAT TO DO?

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DUrING A Storm:

• If youare indoorsduringastorm, stayaway fromwindows,doorsand fireplaces.• Ifyouareadvisedbyofficialstoevacuate,doso.Delaymaymakelater evacuation difficult or impossible. Take your 72 Hour Preparedness Kit with you.• If indoors,youcanuseacellularorcordlesstelephoneduringasevere storm, but it is not safe to use a corded telephone.• Ifyouareinacar,stopthecarawayfromtreesorpowerlinesthatmight fall on you. Avoid the base of steep or unstable slopes and low areas prone to flooding. Stay inside the car.

BLIZZArDS AND WINter StormS

Blizzards come in on a wave of cold artic air, bringing snow, bitter cold, high winds and poor visibility due to blowing snow.

BLIZZArDS:

• Maylastanywherefromafewhourstoseveraldaysandtypicallybring heavy snowfalls.• Mayincludeawindchill“warning”,issuedwhenverycoldtemperatures (-35 degrees Celsius or colder) combined with wind could create outdoor conditions hazardous to human activity.• Cangiverisetowindstormwarningwhenwindsareexpectedtoreacha steady speed of between 65-75 km/h, or 90-100 km/h in gusts.• Canleaveheavysnowfallthatcancauserooffailuresorcollapses.

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WHAt to Do:

• Inwideopenareas,visibility is limitedduringheavyblowingsnowora blizzard. You can easily lose your way. If a blizzard strikes, do not try to walk to another building unless there is a rope to guide you or something you can follow.• Whenawinterstormhits,stayindoors.Ifyoumustgooutside,dressfor the weather. Outer clothing should be tightly woven and water-repellent. The jacket should have a hood. Wear mittens - they are warmer than gloves- and a hat, as significant body heat is lost through the head.• Ifablizzardorheavyblowingsnowisforecast,youmaywanttostringa safety line between your house and any other structures or buildings in case you have to go to them during the storm.• If youmust travelduringawinter storm,dosoduring thedayand let someone know your route and arrival time.• If your car gets stuck in a blizzard or snowstorm, stay in your vehicle. Allow fresh air in your vehicle by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side - away from the wind. You can run the engine about 10 minutes every half hour if the exhaust system is not blocked with snow. Check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked. Remember: you can’t smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.• Tokeepyourhandsandfeetwarm,exercisethemperiodically.Ingeneral, it is a good idea to keep moving to avoid falling asleep. If you do try to shovel the snow from around the vehicle, avoid overexerting yourself. Note: Over-exertion in the bitter cold can cause death as a result of hypothermia from sweating or cardiac arrest.• Ifsnowisexcessiveoraroofshowssignsofdistress,contactaprofessional experienced in safe snow removal procedures. Personal injury and structural damage are two risks commonly seen when people venture out onto roofs on their own. Remember: Prevent access to areas under roofs where snow could fall.

SEVERE STORMS - WHAT TO DO?

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ICe StormS

Freezingrainoccurswhenraindropsfallfromawarmlayerofairthatisbelowfreezing and become super cooled. When the super cooled droplets strike a surface below 0 degrees Celsius they instantly freeze, forming a layer of ice.

WHAt to Do:

• Icefromfreezingrainaccumulatesonbranches,powerlinesandbuildings. If you must go outside when a significant amount of ice has accumulated, pay attention to branches or wires that could break due to the weight of the ice and fall on you.• Never approach power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you could be electrocuted. Stay back at least 10 meters (33 feet) from wires or anything in contact with them.• Whenfreezingrainisforecasted,avoiddrivingifpossible.Evenasmall amount of freezing rain can make roads extremely slippery. Wait several hours after freezing rain ends so that road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads.• Rapid onset of freezing rain combinedwith strongwinds increase the chances for hypothermia.

Remember: Ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the precipitation.

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tHUNDerStormS, LIGHtNING AND HAIL

Thunderstorms are often accompanied by high winds, hail, lightning, heavy rain and in rare cases can produce tornadoes. Hail is formed when updrafts in thunderclouds carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze and merge into lumps of ice.

• Thunderstorms and lightning occur throughout the municipality. On average, 10 people die each year in Canada and up to 160 are injured during these events.• Thunderstorms are usually over within an hour, although a series of thunderstorms can last several hours.• Hailstorms occur throughout the municipality, mostly from May to October. • Some hailstorms are the size of peas, while others can be as big as baseballs.• Hailcomesdownatgreatspeed,especiallywhenaccompaniedbyhigh winds and can cause serious injuries and damages.

WHAt to Do:

• Before a severe thunderstorm reaches your community, unplug radios, televisions and appliances (especially those that may start up automatically when the power is restored). Listen for weather updates on your battery powered radio.• Ifhailisforecasted,protectyourvehiclebyputtingitinagarageoran enclosed space.• Ifpossible,avoidusingacordedphoneduringathunderstorm.Stayaway from items that conduct electricity: telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators, and metal pipes.

SEVERE STORMS - WHAT TO DO?

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• Do not collect laundry on a clothesline because it may also conduct electricity.• Neverridebicycles,motorcycles,tractors,golfcartsorusemetalshovels or golf clubs.• Take shelter immediately, preferably in abuildingbut, failing this, in a depressed area such as a ditch. Never go under a tree as roots extending from the tree can also conduct electricity.• Toestimatehow faraway the lightning is, count the secondsbetween the flash of lightning and the thunderclap. Each second represents over 300 meters. If you count fewer than 30 seconds take shelter.• Wait30minutesafterthelastlightningstrikebeforeventuringoutside.• Donotgoouttocoverplants,carsorgardenfurniture.• Whenahailstormstrikes,stayindoors,andkeepyourselfandyourpets away from windows, glass doors and skylights as they can shatter if struck by hailstones.

IF oUtDoorS:

• Ifyouarecaught intheopeninaseverestorm,donot lieflat.Crouch down with your feet close together and your head down (the “leap-frog position).• Seekshelterifpossible,suchasacomfortorpicnicstationincampgrounds and parks. A hard top vehicle will provide the next best shelter, but do not touch any metal surfaces during a thunderstorm.• Ifshelterisnotavailable,lookforlow-lyingareas,butawayfromstreams in the event of flash flooding.• Thekeytoseverestormsinsummeristominimizeyourcontactwiththe ground and make yourself a smaller target. This reduces the risk of being electrocuted by a ground charge.

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mAKe AN emerGeNCY PLANEvery household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family to know what to do in case of an emergency. Remember, your family may not be together.

• Discusswhatcouldhappenandwhatyoushoulddoathome,schoolorat work if an emergency happens.• Makealistofwhatneedstobedoneaheadoftime.• Ensurethatlocalextendedfamilymembersthatyouareresponsiblefor are included in your plan (i.e. grandparents, parents, etc.).• Store important familydocuments, suchasbirthcertificates,passports, wills, financial documents, insurance policies, etc. in a water proof container(s).• Identifyanappropriateout-of-towncontactthatcanactasacentralpoint of contact in an emergency.• Writedownandexerciseyourplanwiththeentirefamilyatleastoncea year. Make sure everybody has a copy and keeps it close at hand.

SEVERE STORMS - WHAT TO DO?

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Get AN emerGeNCY 72 HoUr PrePAreDNeSS KItIn an emergency you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.You may already have some of the items, so look around your home. It is important to keep them together in one place so they are easy to grab during an emergency. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find.

Could you find your flashlight in the dark?

Make sure your kit is easy to carry. Keep it in a back pack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy to reach, assessable place, such as your front hall closet. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the emergency kit is.

BASIC 72 HoUr PrePAreDNeSS KIt:

• Water-atleast2litresofwaterperpersonperday.Includesmallbottles that can be carried easily if you must evacuate.• Food that won’t spoil: canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year).• Manualcanopener.• Winduporbatterypoweredflashlightsandradio(extra batteries).• Firstaidkit.• Specialty items: prescription medication, infant formula, pet food & equipment for people with disabilities.• Extrakeystoyourcarorhouse.• Cashinsmallerbills,suchas$10bills(travelerschequesarealsouseful) and change for payphones.• Acopyofyouremergencyplanandcontactinformation.

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reCommeNDeD ADDItIoNAL ItemS:

• Candles and matches or lighters.• A change of clothing and footwear for each household member.• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member.• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention).• Garbage bags for personal sanitation.• Toilet paper and other personal care supplies.• Safety gloves.• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners).• Small fuel driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturers directions and store properly).• Extra liters of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning.• Utensils.• Household chlorine, bleach or water purifying tablets.• Duct tape.

StePS to ProteCt YoUr Home:• Review your insurance policy - to ensure your property is covered during a freak storm (i.e hail damage).• Create a detailed inventory of your property and keep it in a safe place. Video recorders are an easy way to document what you have, (enable the date function when recording).• Install backflow valves in sump pumps, floor, sink, toilet and washing machine drains in your basement to prevent sewer backups during flash floods from rainstorms.

SEVERE STORMS - WHAT TO DO?

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• Install weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground level doors.• Periodically check your sump pump to confirm it is working properly.• Landscape and build up areas against your foundation to keep water moving away.• Confirm downspouts are functioning and install extensions to keep water away from your home.• Ensure that water does not drain onto your neighbours property.• If your property is next to a ditch or stream, keep the banks clear of brush and other debris.

SAFeGUArD ImPortANt DoCUmeNtS:• Neverstoreyourdocumentsorothervulnerabledocuments,suchasfamily photos, in a basement.• Documents shouldbe stored inwatertight containers that canbequickly moved or taken with you during an emergency.

www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca

2011NAtIoNAL reSoUrCeS:PUBLIC SAFETY CANADAwww.getprepared.ca

ENVIRONMENT CANADAwww.weatheroffice.gc.ca

CANADIAN RED CROSSwww.redcross.ca

ProvINCe oF ALBertA reSoUrCeS:ALBERTA ENVIRONMENTTelephone: 780.427.7617TollFree:310.0000www.environment.alberta.ca

For regional or local information on emergency preparedness, contact your emergency management organization as follows:

ALBERTA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 780.422.9000TollFree310.0000www.aema.alberta.ca

mUNICIPAL reSoUrCeS:REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALOEMERGENCY MANAGEMENT9909FranklinAvenue,FortMcMurray,AlbertaT9H2K4Telephone: 780.799.8085www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca