By Bob Rochon
(See companion article Empowered: overcoming power outages by clicking here)
During the past two winters, we have seen a number of power outages in New Brunswick. In the north part of the province, power was out for more than one week. Here, in the south, we were without power for up to 109 hours, or roughly four and one-half days.
(See companion article Empowered: overcoming power outages by clicking here)
During the past two winters, we have seen a number of power outages in New Brunswick. In the north part of the province, power was out for more than one week. Here, in the south, we were without power for up to 109 hours, or roughly four and one-half days.
During that time, the Villages of Alma, Hillsborough and Riverside-Albert responded by opening up warming centres powered by generators, allowing residents to warm up, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea and to charge electronic devices. The municipalities continue to improve their ability to respond to these situations as they acquire reliable sources of back-up power.
It is also important to highlight the generosity of businesses and organizations. Forest Dale Home in Riverside-Albert often opens its doors to people when there are power outages. The Hillsborough Elementary School opened its doors during the prolonged power outage in February to allow residents to use their facility. Fundy Rocks Motel and Chocolate River Restaurant* and Broadleaf Guest Ranch** opened their doors during a recent outage. When the community comes together in this way, it makes these events much more bearable and safe for everyone.
Information on what you can do to prepare yourself can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca. There is information on how to make an emergency plan and what your survival kit should contain. The Province of New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization website also has useful information on what you can do to prepare, what to do during an emergency and, most importantly, good information on the risks associated with carbon monoxide. You can visit New Brunswick Emergency Measures website at www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/emo.html.
If you would like more information about emergency planning in your community, please do not hesitate to reach out to your municipal office.
Village of Alma: 887-6123
Village of Hillsborough: 734-3773
Village of Riverside-Albert: 882-3022
You can also reach out to the Tri-Community Emergency Measures Coordinator, Bob Rochon at rochonb@gmail.com or by requesting a telephone contact through your respective municipality.
*Wayne Gaskin of Fundy Rocks Motel and Chocolate River Restaurant, Cottages & Campground told Connecting Albert County on Dec. 22, 2018, “If we have power and others do not, we will open our door in the restaurant and motel for free.”
**According to Broadleaf Guest Ranch in December 2018, “Broadleaf is happy to welcome folks for hot showers during a power outage. Just call first (882-2349) or stop by the office. You can also plug in your devices for recharging. Our office staff is excellent at commiseration as well!”
If you own a business that offers meals, showers or charging stations during power outages, please email info@connectingalbertcounty.org.
It is also important to highlight the generosity of businesses and organizations. Forest Dale Home in Riverside-Albert often opens its doors to people when there are power outages. The Hillsborough Elementary School opened its doors during the prolonged power outage in February to allow residents to use their facility. Fundy Rocks Motel and Chocolate River Restaurant* and Broadleaf Guest Ranch** opened their doors during a recent outage. When the community comes together in this way, it makes these events much more bearable and safe for everyone.
Information on what you can do to prepare yourself can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca. There is information on how to make an emergency plan and what your survival kit should contain. The Province of New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization website also has useful information on what you can do to prepare, what to do during an emergency and, most importantly, good information on the risks associated with carbon monoxide. You can visit New Brunswick Emergency Measures website at www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/emo.html.
If you would like more information about emergency planning in your community, please do not hesitate to reach out to your municipal office.
Village of Alma: 887-6123
Village of Hillsborough: 734-3773
Village of Riverside-Albert: 882-3022
You can also reach out to the Tri-Community Emergency Measures Coordinator, Bob Rochon at rochonb@gmail.com or by requesting a telephone contact through your respective municipality.
*Wayne Gaskin of Fundy Rocks Motel and Chocolate River Restaurant, Cottages & Campground told Connecting Albert County on Dec. 22, 2018, “If we have power and others do not, we will open our door in the restaurant and motel for free.”
**According to Broadleaf Guest Ranch in December 2018, “Broadleaf is happy to welcome folks for hot showers during a power outage. Just call first (882-2349) or stop by the office. You can also plug in your devices for recharging. Our office staff is excellent at commiseration as well!”
If you own a business that offers meals, showers or charging stations during power outages, please email info@connectingalbertcounty.org.
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