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Earl Expected in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

Industry players urge preparedness.

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As the Category 4 Hurricane worked its way toward North Carolina September 2, the  Canadian Hurricane Centre called for high winds and heavy rain in Western Nova Scotia and New Brunswick’s Fundy Coast. And even before Earl makes its appearance, gales and high water levels will hit the Southern Maritimes, the Centre warned in a bulletin.

The summer’s hot weather will affect Earl’s strength as it hits Canadian territory–above-normal water temperatures south of Nova Scotia, plus a sub-tropical airmass in the region “could permit Earl to retain more tropical characteristics as it enters our region,” the Centre forecast.

Industry associations are stressing preparedness measures for those in the area. Both  The Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia (IBANS) and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) have issued safety measures for residents–advising them to stay indoors, use a battery-operated radio to keep up to date on storm information and to follow instructions to evacuate, if needed.

“Hurricanes are powerful storms that have devastating impacts on people, property and the environment. It is vital to know how to respond when a hurricane strikes,” says Ken Myers, President, IBANS.

In the U.S., Zurich Insurance also issued pointers for businesses, reminding them to move or protect vital business records, secure outdoor equipment, begin building protection measures–ie: covering windows–and raising critical equipment off the floor.

The insurer has created an online. preparedness video, “Hurricane Preparedness–36 Hours Out,” available at https://www.brainshark.com/zurich/vu?pi=641034144