Following the widespread impacts of Hurricane Fiona on residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is moving ahead with emergency response and recovery efforts. The scale of the storm is unprecedented in this province and the magnitude of the damage is severe, particularly on the southwest coast of the island.

Officials are reviewing the situation across the affected areas and are assessing the damages. All government departments are fully engaged in working with municipalities to continue focus on public safety. The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre are in regular contact with the municipalities, local service districts and emergency management partners to ensure everyone has up-to-date information on the emergency situation for a coordinated approach. Channel-Port aux Basques and Burnt Islands are still under a state of emergency.

Emergency Shelter and Health Supports
The Canadian Red Cross is advising that there is a new registration call line for individuals displaced from their homes due to post-tropical storm Fiona. The new number, 1-800-863-6582, is now active and impacted individuals are encouraged to register. Registration will enable the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development to contact affected individuals and families with further updates and/or supports as and when needed.

The Canadian Red Cross is coordinating the emergency shelter for people displaced from their homes in the Channel-Port aux Basques area at St. James Regional High School, located at 200 Hardys Arterial Rd, Channel-Port aux Basques. The emergency congregate shelter remains opened and the Salvation Army is continuing to provide meal services at the shelter. Individuals with pets who need to evacuate their property may go to the Bruce II Sports Centre.

Western Health is advising that a team of their staff are continuing to provide services to residents impacted by tropical storm Fiona. These staff have been offering psychosocial support to impacted residents at the shelters; contacting vulnerable residents who may have special health needs; and supporting residents to obtain prescriptions or special equipment. Mental health support for emergency responders is also be available. Anyone experiencing a mental health emergency and requires immediate support should call 811. Additional on the ground support will be added as required.

In addition, Western Health has established a toll-free number for impacted residents to reach out and obtain the support they may need, including mental health support and other health needs that residents may be experiencing. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Western Health Fiona Response Line at 1-833-920-0096, which is available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For Home Owners
Home owners are being reminded to keep safety top of mind as the clean-up continues. Many affected homes should be inspected by trained professionals to avoid progressive problems and issues. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance companies and to take steps themselves to mitigate any further damage. Mould and other issues can lead to serious health problems and measures should be taken to keep families safe from harm. Further information on what residents should be aware of can be found in the backgrounder below.

Disaster Financial Assistance
Depending on the impact from a weather event, expenditures may be recovered by the Provincial Government under the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program (DFAA). For DFAA, the province will need to provide the dates and estimated expenditures to the Federal Government, as well as meet the $1.7 million threshold. Coordination with residents and communities in respect to disaster financial assistance is ongoing as we assess the impacts. Once the DFAA program is activated, applications will be accepted from municipalities and local service districts, small business owners and home owners. A public advisory will be issued and information on the program will be available.

Once it is safe, as you assess private property for damage, municipalities and local service districts, small business owners and home owners are encouraged to:

• Contact their insurance provider to inquire on any coverage that may be available.
• Record details of damage using photos and video if possible.
• Restore your property or municipal infrastructure to good order as soon as possible and when it is safe to do so.
• Be sure to keep invoices and payment receipts for any work completed.

Safety Information
If you see a downed power line, consider it energized and stay away. For residents without power, a reminder to never use a gas range, stove or oven to heat a home. If you are using a generator because of a power outage, do not place it inside of any structure including garages, carports and sheds. Instead, place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home, down-wind away from open doors, windows and vents.

Transportation and Infrastructure staff continue to assess damage and clear debris from provincial highways. Motorists can expect some traffic delays. Road conditions continue to be updated via the NL 511 app or visit nl511.ca. Motorists are reminded to drive according to the conditions in their area.

-30-

Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Re-entering Your Home

• Please ensure authorities have advised that it is safe to re-enter the home.
• If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter the home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
• Use extreme caution when returning to the home after a flood.
• Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage systems until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician. Appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on.
• The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.
• Depending on where residents live, the municipal or provincial inspection authority is responsible for the permitting process required before the electric utility can reconnect power to the home.

Ensuring Building Safety

• Make sure the building is structurally safe.
• Look for buckled walls or floors.
• Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Water

• Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
• If through colour, odour or taste you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, don’t drink it.
• Household items that have been water damaged will have to be discarded according to local waste disposal regulations, but not until such time as adjustors have had a chance to review the items. Please keep in a specific area of your property, covered with a tarp.

Documentation

• Store all valuable papers that have been damaged in a freezer until they are needed (after the cleanup, consult a lawyer to determine whether water damaged documents, or just the information in them, must be retained).
• Record details of damage by photograph or video, if possible.
• Register the amount of damage to the home with both the insurance agent and local municipality immediately.