From left to right: Jeff Hussey (City of Saint John), Allie Murchison (Red Cross), and Kevin Clifford (Saint John Fire) held a press conference in response to damage from high winds. (Danielle McCreadie)
Saint John EMO had a busy day Tuesday after heavy rain and high winds caused damage overnight.
Over 100 tenants from two different buildings had to be evacuated early Tuesday morning after their roofs were ripped off.
EMO Director Kevin Clifford says tenants won’t be allowed back into the buildings until the electrical system has been inspected.
“Part of it would be a public safety piece. Because the buildings had exposure to water in their electrical systems, we’ve got ahold of the Department of Public Safety and the electrical inspector for the province. Those properties will have that inspection,” he said.
Clifford extends his thanks to everyone involved in Tuesday’s storm response efforts, from police, fire and paramedics, to the staff and faculty at Simonds High School.
“I was really pleased with the level of care and the level of compassion from our police officers, our firefighters. To watch some of our burly firefighters help some of the smaller, senior residents, it was certainly maybe a Christmas message,” he said.
He said residents also remained patient and cooperative.
Thank you to the SJ Red Cross and Simonds @Simonds_HS for accommodating those forced out of their homes due to high winds damaging a roof at Regency Towers.https://t.co/pmFAn77MRM pic.twitter.com/5te7kH6ooc
— Saint John Police (@saintjohnpolice) December 10, 2019
Clifford says as storms increase in frequency, it’s important for New Brunswickers to be prepared, pay attention to weather reports, and have an emergency kit on hand.
“The weather events are more frequent. I think people need to understand that you need to adhere to the weather reports. Understand where you are”
According to updated numbers, 71 people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross, including 35 for overnight accommodation.
Allie Murchison with the Red Cross is urging everyone impacted by the evacuations to register, even if they have somewhere to stay.
“There are over 100 residents (displaced), and as you can see right now we don’t have those numbers. We want to make sure everyone is safe and everyone is taken care of, and if that’s with your family that’s great, but we just want to make sure we have everyone accounted for,” she said.
“We’re in no way going away at any time. We’re here to help so residents are being taken care of. Some are in our alternative accommodations, some are with friends and family, but if someone does require help moving on in the next couple of days … we really do reiterate to call our 1-800 number,” she said.
City crews have been also working hard clearing storm drains and moving downed trees.
Jeff Hussey with the city says a number of roads were closed due to flooding or fallen trees.
Update: Road closures, fallen trees, localized flooding and evacuations https://t.co/XbJN5fAPfq
— City of Saint John (@cityofsaintjohn) December 10, 2019
He hoped the city could re-open those roads around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday when floodwaters were expected to recede.
“Until then we ask that citizens adhere to the road closure signs, and not drive through the flood-impacted areas. Any of the other streets that are impacted by flooding and still open, just to proceed with caution,” he said.
Hussey says there was no damage to any municipal property.
