Tropical Storm Arthur Update
Fredericton, July 8, 2014 (GNB) – The following storm update was issued at 1 p.m. today by the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Measures Organization:
Post Tropical Storm Arthur has resulted in unprecedented power and telecommunications outages throughout the province. Government and key stakeholders are committing all available resources to restoring services. Restoration work is being done with a strategic, priority-based approach. The priorities are health and safety, telecommunications, securing food, fuel and cash distribution, and getting industry back to work.
Government is working with the Retail Council of Canada to ensure its members are aware of the needs of New Brunswickers. Retailers are taking steps to increase important supplies such as generators and water in order to meet demand.
The Emergency Measures Organization is asking for the public to remain calm, patient and understanding as unprecedented restoration work continues, which will take an extended period of time.
The Emergency Measures Organization is also asking for your assistance in distributing this message. If you have the ability to print this page and post it in popular public places, it would help get the message to people without power.
State of Local Emergency
The Village of McAdam has declared a state of local emergency. The Emergency Measures Organization is working with key stakeholders to ensure the needs of the community are addressed.
Power
NB Power crews made significant progress Monday, restoring power to thousands of customers affected by post-tropical Storm Arthur. A total of 230 line and power crews continue working to restore power as soon as possible. For information on outages and estimated restoration times, residents can visit the NB Power website.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications crews are also out doing repairs to cellular and telecommunications networks. Rogers Communications wireless service has been restored completely and Bell Aliant wireless service is expected to be fully online later today.
Because of outages, some areas of the province are experiencing a lack of cellular and landline services. Residents who do not have the use of a phone and feel unsafe, are advised to temporarily move to a safer location.
Residents are advised that landline telephone service should return when power is restored. If your power is back on and you have no phone service, contact your service provider.
The Bell repair line is 611.
Reception Centres
Reception centres have been opened to allow residents a chance to charge their phones and electronic devices. These centres are located at:
- City of Fredericton – Grant Harvey and Willie O’Ree Rec Centres from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Bulk water is available at both locations.
- Oromocto – Town of Oromocto Municipal Building Centre – from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. today.
- Town of Meductic Fire Hall (24/7)
- Town of Miramichi – Golden Hawk Recreation Centre – 12-10 p.m.
- Town of Woodstock Firehall – open 24/7
- Town of Centreville Firehall – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Perth-Andover Civic Centre – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Village of Bath Firehall – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Plaster Rock Tobique Plex – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Community of Notre-Dame-des-Érables Fire Department
- Village of Harvey Fire Department
- Town of St. George (Magaguadavic Place)
- Village of Blacks Harbour - until 8 p.m.
- Town of St. Stephen Fire hall
- Upper Miramichi Rural Community Hall
- Greenwich Local Serive District – Rec centre (water) Fire Hall - Charging only 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Village of New Maryland Fire Department
- Upper Kingsclear Fire Department
- Keswick Valley Fire Department
- Keswick Ridge Fire Department
- Village of McAdam Fire Department
- Nashwaak Valley Fire Department
- Hoyt Fire Department
- Town of Grand Bay-Westfield – River Centre (air conditioned) and Centrum (rear entrance) as charging centers 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Non drinking water and washrooms are available.
Residents are encouraged to monitor Public Alerts for further updates. For more information on what to do during and immediately after a power outage, visit the Get Prepared website.
Red Cross
The Red Cross has activated a toll-free emergency social services number. If you have social services needs please call 1-800-222-9597.
