Dear Residents of SYSRC:

NOTE: This statement contains general information on emergency preparedness while statement #2 which will be posted tomorrow has more specific information on how you can prepare for emergencies.

As you all know, we had a couple of freezing rain events as well a power outage over the Holidays. 

SYSRC, the Fire Departments and NB Emergency Measures Organization (NB EMO) were in constant contact during these events and were monitoring the situation.  As well, the two warming centers had been alerted to stay tuned for any calls to action.

The same was on-going in our neighbouring communities. Some of you might have been wondering why warming centers were not opened immediately when the power went out.  There are many complex factors that help inform when warming centers should open during a power outage. Some of the factors include the temperature at the time, the expected length of the power outage and the safety of volunteers and of the population in getting to the warming centers in bad weather.

Basically, NB EMO and the Fire Department recommend that people be ready for a 72-hour emergency to be self-sustainable for that period.  SYSRC, other communities and NB EMO preplan that warming centers do not open for the first 72 hours. There is of course some leeway, e.g. a power outage in minus 40-degree weather and high winds would be handled differently than one in a plus 10-degree weather situation. The former example would probably dictate that a warming center open before the 72-hour period had elapsed.

We had a meeting last week with NB EMO, the three fire departments and other agencies (e.g. the RCMP and NBEMS) to focus on providing protection to the residents of SYSRC and we discussed the need to collaborate on providing information to the population on what to expect in an emergency and how to prepare for one.

The following information was prepared in cooperation between SYSRC, NB EMO, the Fire Departments of Oromocto, New Maryland, Fredericton Junction and the city of Fredericton with the aim of providing the same information to the residents of SYSRC and those in neighbouring communities served by these fire departments.

Here is the information:

The 72-hour guideline for emergency preparedness stems from the idea that it often takes first responders that long to reach everyone after a major disaster, leaving you to be self-sufficient for the initial, chaotic period with basic needs like water, food, and shelter.

While this 3-day timeframe (originating from historical advice) is a crucial starting point for your emergency kit, many experts now recommend preparing for much longer, even weeks, as help can be significantly delayed, as seen in events like Hurricane Katrina.

Why 72 hours became the standard:

• Initial response delay: After a disaster, emergency services are overwhelmed, prioritizing immediate life-threatening situations, meaning personal aid might not arrive for days.
• Roads may be blocked, causing issues getting to residents.
• Large scale power outages take longer and longer to restore.
• Self-sufficiency: The goal is to keep your family safe and sustained until professional help can provide assistance.

Why 72 hours might not be enough anymore:

• Major disaster impact: In large-scale events, the disruption can be so severe that help takes much longer.
• Extended isolation: You could be on your own for a week or more, so a longer-term plan is vital.

What to do now:

• Start with 72 hours: Build your kit with water, food, first-aid, and essential documents as a foundation.
• Extend your goal: Aim to build supplies for at least a week, and ideally two weeks or more, to cover longer periods without services.
• Create a plan: Develop a household emergency plan alongside your kit, so everyone knows what to do.

Be Prepared at Home

Every household should be ready to manage at least 72 hours on their own during an emergency.

• 72‑Hour Kit: The kit includes resources to support your household, including pets, for 72-hours. The kit should include food, water, medications, and other items to meet your needs during the first three days of a disaster. (please see tomorrow’s statement for the details)
• Household Emergency Plan: Your plan should outline meeting places, key contact information, and what to do if you must leave your home.
• Learn more by visiting the Government of Canada’s website at:

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared.html

Support During Longer, More Complex Outages

For extended outages, the community office, working with partners, may open comfort centres. As mentioned above, this decision is based on factors like:

• Temperature and wind conditions
• Expected duration of the power outage
• Number of residents impacted
• Amount of damage to homes and infrastructure

These centres are strategically located based on community needs and offer:

• A warm, safe place
• Device charging
• Information and updates

For the most complex events, additional resources such as snacks and water may also be available.

In an emergency, it is important to stay informed.  The best vehicle to get current updates in the Voyent system.  Everyone should subscribe to it and it is free.  It is a better source of timely information than the community’s web site and social media as it takes longer to update those.

Being ready before an outage or stormy weather makes all the difference. Take time now to prepare, stay informed, and help keep our community safe and resilient this winter.

There is nothing more important to all levels of government than protecting their citizens. There are excellent resources, agencies and services in our communities that are constantly monitoring events, weather, outages, etc. and looking out for you and making sure that you are all safe.

This is the case in every situation, and it was the case over the Holidays.

Tomorrow, statement, i.e. Statement # 2 will provide more specific information on how to create you own emergency plan including creating your 72-hour kit.

Don Ferguson
Supervisor SYSRC