The City of Corner Brook has been closely monitoring the upcoming forecast regarding Hurricane Fiona. City crews have been mobilized to respond if necessary to any damage which may occur due to the anticipated rain and wind. Emergency Management will be meeting with local Emergency services to coordinate potential responses. Public Works, Water & Wastewater and Fire Department staff will be on stand-by to address any issues which may arise. Throughout the weekend, residents can call 637-1666 to report signs of flooding or damaged City infrastructure.

The following actions are being taken as proactive measures:

• Crews have been dispatched to assess and clear priority catch basins to reduce flood risk.
• All priority headwalls are being checked and cleared as required. 
• Public Works trucks are being checked and supplied with flood control tools and sand bags.
• The supply of sand bags have been checked and replenished.
• Staffing levels will be adjusted and increased when necessary, and pending on the timelines and severity of this event.
• Managerial support will be added if required pending on the severity and timelines of the event.
• Testing and fuelling up all portable and backup generators and fire pumps.
• Checking sanitary sewer lift stations.
• Topping up all water reservoirs.
• Checking and fuelling up combination cleaner trucks.
• Testing and preparing portable submersible pumps.

What residents can do:

In the event of a significant rainfall or wind events, motorists should drive for the conditions to avoid the risk of hydroplaning and only travel when necessary. We would also ask home and business owners to check catch-basins which may be adjacent to their properties, and make a note of regularly checking their properties for flooding. Please be prepared for the possibility of a power outage. Because of the windy nature of this hurricane, it would be prudent to trim trees on your property and secure anything which could blow away.

It is always good to plan ahead for weather events. For more information on developing a 72 Hour Plan for your home, please follow this link to the Government of Canada’s advice.

Some items you should have at all times:

• Water – at least two litres of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order.
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
• Manual can-opener.
• Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries). Replace batteries once a year.
• Crank, battery-powered radio (and extra batteries).
• First aid kit.
• Extra keys to your car and house.
• Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills – in the event of power loss, bank machines will not be able to operate.
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact information.
• If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize according to your needs).

We will provide information as necessary via Facebook and Twitter. We would also encourage residents to tune in with their local media for the latest updates. If necessary please call 637-1666 to report signs of flooding or damaged City infrastructure.