The City is preparing for expected rains and foul weather associated with Hurricane Sandy which is predicted to present as a fall storm with high winds in the Kingston area.
“We are expecting a significant storm, but not anything worse than what we have seen in the past year,” says Jim Keech, President and Chief Executive Officer of Utilities Kingston. “Right now, we are advising citizens to remain calm. Since we know this storm is coming, now is a good time to practice emergency preparedness — and that’s what the City is doing. Have some extra drinking water on hand. Make sure you’ve got batteries for your flashlight and locate your crank or battery-operated radio.” More tips on being prepared are available here.
Keech says the City is preparing to minimize the potential for power outages and flooding by:
- Inspecting and addressing potential flooding situations in known potential flooding locations and the clearing of catch basins known or expected to be an issue.
- Forestry staff is conducting planned maintenance activities throughout the morning, and will reassess activities at noon, depending on further forecasts.
In addition to taking some emergency preparedness measures, citizens can take their own precautions against local potential flooding by:
- Keeping catch basins clear of debris. If you see one that’s blocked with leaves or debris, take a few moments to remove the blockage.
- Eavestroughs and downspouts that are clear of leaves and other debris are an essential part of helping rain water run safely away from your home and off of your property.
Citizens should stay tuned to local media for updates on the weather throughout the day. The City will issue releases to the local media should the situation change (updates will also be issued to www.CityofKingston.ca, @cityofkingston on Twitter and the City’s Information Radio at 106.3).
Media contact information: Cindie Ashton Communications Officer 613-546-4291 ext. 3116, cell 613-329-3462. The City of Kingston media hotline is 613-546-4291 ext. 2300.
My concern is about Halloween and trick or treating for our school age Kingstonians. I have lived in a community previously where in times of inclement weather or unsafe conditions the Mayor would declare that Halloween trick or treating be deferred to an alternate night. It may sound trivial, but without direction from municipal leaders thousands of school age Kingston children are going to want to get out and ring doorbells on Wednesday night when perhaps we should stay in and be safer inside…
Doesn't look as though rain nor wind will be an issue tonight. What a difference a day or two makes. Still though, lots of people without power, and far worse on the eastern shoreline.