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Column: Wind and rain; preparing for a storm

Capt. Rob Kivell is the Oak Bay Fire DepartmentB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s fire prevention officer
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With the storm season upon us the Oak Bay Fire Department would like to offer the following tips for preparing for a wind or rain storm:

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could become airborne and cause damage.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Clean out gutters, storm drains, etc. (keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches) so rainwaterB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Rake leaves to cut down on flying debris and prevent clogged storm drains.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Expect downed trees and power outages.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Stay at home as severe weather arrives.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Have flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio in case power goes out.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Ensure mobile phones are fully charged.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Have food that doesnB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™t need refrigeration and 1 gallon of water per person per day. Other important items: first-aid kit, medication, and other critical supplies.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Ensure outside items in yards and on decks and patios are secure.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Top off fuel tanks in your vehicles.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Obtain cash in advance in case ATMs are down due to power outages.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Store water in big pans and the bathtub for personal use before the storm in case of a power outage.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Expect downed trees and power outages.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Stay away from downed power lines.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Have a communications plan. Make sure all family members understand who to call if you get separated.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·¢ Have essential items on hand to last at least three days B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·” non-perishable food, water, first-aid kit, medication. Have enough for each person in your household.

For additional information contact the Oak Bay Fire Department at 250-592-9121.

Capt. Rob Kivell is the Oak Bay Fire DepartmentB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s fire prevention officer.



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