FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Brian Gallant today toured local communities which continue to be impacted by a major storm system, while officials from the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) and NB Power provided an update on efforts to restore power to all impacted residents.

NB Power has mobilized 288 crews across impacted regions, while EMO continues to monitor community impacts and ensure resources are mobilized to support impacted communities.

“Travelling around the province today, I was inspired by New Brunswickers’ generosity and sense of community,” said Gallant. “I saw people open up their homes to their neighbours with no power in Miramichi, firefighters do door-to-door in Rogersville to make sure people are okay, and volunteers in Tracadie help those who are looking for a place to warm up. Thank you to all New Brunswickers for their help in keeping people safe.”

 Warming centres are open for members of the public in impacted regions. An updated list of warming centres is available online.

NB Power

NB Power crews continue their work in this massive restoration effort to return power to those affected as soon as possible, and reminds the public to stay at a safe distance of 10 metres from downed power lines or trees.

NB Power has 288 crews on the ground, working out of eight local operational command centres. This includes crews from Hydro Quebec who have joined recovery efforts in the Acadian Peninsula.

NB Power continues to generate estimated targets of restoration by regions on its website. By the end of today, it is anticipated that crews will restore power to 80 per cent of customers in the Sussex and Moncton regions; 60 per cent of customers in Tracadie, Miramichi, Sackville, Shediac and Bouctouche; and 99 per cent of customers in St. Stephen, Woodstock, Bathurst, Eel River, Rothesay and Fredericton.

A complete list of power outages is available online.

Emergency Measures Organization

The provincial emergency operations centre remains activated, meaning officials from all government departments are co-ordinating recovery efforts.

EMO is working closely with more than 20 critical infrastructure partners to anticipate and fix supply chains for critical services, like cellphone and landline service‎, fuel, food, energy and transportation.

Irving Oil has made special delivery arrangements to hospitals without power and extra deliveries have been arranged to retail sites to ensure residents have an adequate supply of fuel for generators.

Flood Risk

EMO is closely monitoring water levels around the province. There have been reports of some localized flooding, however no major impacts due to flooding have been reported or are anticipated. River systems are being monitored and none are approaching flood level.

Hospitals and Ambulance New Brunswick

Power outages have resulted in the closure or delayed openings of several community health centres. Residents are advised to call in advance of travelling for appointments.

Ambulance New Brunswick is operating at full capacity to respond to emergency calls.

All hospitals in the Horizon and Vitalité Health networks have power or are on backup power. Contingencies are in place for refuelling of generators at hospitals running on backup power.

Important Public Reminders

Residents should not approach downed power lines, or trees that are in contact with power lines.

Never run generators or cook with an open flame, inside a home or the garage, as these activities create carbon monoxide which can become extremely dangerous. Never leave candles or lanterns unattended. Take a moment to test the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.

Anyone travelling should exercise extreme caution while driving, especially in rural areas where they may encounter downed trees and power lines.

New Brunswickers with any medical concerns who are affected by power outages are encouraged to call Tele-Care 811.

Anyone who is having difficulty with being cold should access one of the warming centres. If you do not know how to access these centres you should call EMO at 1-800-561-4034.

Customers still without power are reminded to turn down their heat sources and unplug major appliances in their home in advance of power restoration to avoid a surge in demand that has the potential to cause more outages. This is known as 'cold load pickup.' Heat sources and appliances can be gradually turned on following restoration.

Food safety: If you have no power, do not open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. If the door remains closed, a full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours without electricity. These products can be refrozen if ice crystals are still present. All perishable food in a refrigerator without electricity for more than 24 hours should be discarded.

In case of power outages, residents are encouraged to check on their neighbours, particularly the elderly, to see if any assistance is required.

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26-01-17