Latest news with #emergencyManagement
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cenovus Energy provides operations update on impact of Alberta wildfires
CALGARY, Alberta, June 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) is providing an update on its Oil Sands operations following ongoing wildfire activity in northern Alberta. Cenovus is focused on the safety of its people and the integrity of its assets, and all staff are safe. Based on the inspections the company has completed to date, it is not aware of any damage to its infrastructure and would anticipate a full restart of Christina Lake operations in the near term. As a precaution, currently only essential personnel are at the Christina Lake oil sands asset, where the company began safely and methodically shutting in production on May 29. Operations will resume as soon as it's safe to do so. Approximately 238,000 barrels per day of production have been impacted, and the company will provide an update when it is in a position to restart. Cenovus is closely monitoring the overall wildfire situation in Alberta. The company is grateful for the efforts of its teams who are working tirelessly to keep the company's people and assets safe, and for the provincial emergency management teams and firefighters keeping communities safe. AdvisoryForward-looking InformationThis news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to as 'forward-looking information') about Cenovus's current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made in light of experience and perception of historical trends. Forward-looking information in this news release is identified by words such as 'focus', 'anticipate' and 'will' or similar expressions, including, but not limited to, statements about: safety; asset integrity; production impacts; and resumption of operations. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Cenovus disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive and are made as at the date hereof. Events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward‐looking information. For additional information regarding Cenovus's material risk factors, the assumptions made, and risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to 'Risk Management and Risk Factors' and 'Advisory' in Cenovus's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 and to the risk factors, assumptions and uncertainties described in other documents Cenovus files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada (available on SEDAR+ at on EDGAR at and Cenovus's website at Cenovus Energy Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is committed to maximizing value by developing its assets in a safe, responsible and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company's preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit Find Cenovus on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. Cenovus contacts Investors Media Investor Relations general line403-766-7711 Media Relations general line403-766-7751Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cenovus Energy provides operations update on impact of Alberta wildfires
CALGARY, Alberta, June 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) is providing an update on its Oil Sands operations following ongoing wildfire activity in northern Alberta. Cenovus is focused on the safety of its people and the integrity of its assets, and all staff are safe. Based on the inspections the company has completed to date, it is not aware of any damage to its infrastructure and would anticipate a full restart of Christina Lake operations in the near term. As a precaution, currently only essential personnel are at the Christina Lake oil sands asset, where the company began safely and methodically shutting in production on May 29. Operations will resume as soon as it's safe to do so. Approximately 238,000 barrels per day of production have been impacted, and the company will provide an update when it is in a position to restart. Cenovus is closely monitoring the overall wildfire situation in Alberta. The company is grateful for the efforts of its teams who are working tirelessly to keep the company's people and assets safe, and for the provincial emergency management teams and firefighters keeping communities safe. AdvisoryForward-looking InformationThis news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to as 'forward-looking information') about Cenovus's current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made in light of experience and perception of historical trends. Forward-looking information in this news release is identified by words such as 'focus', 'anticipate' and 'will' or similar expressions, including, but not limited to, statements about: safety; asset integrity; production impacts; and resumption of operations. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Cenovus disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive and are made as at the date hereof. Events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward‐looking information. For additional information regarding Cenovus's material risk factors, the assumptions made, and risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to 'Risk Management and Risk Factors' and 'Advisory' in Cenovus's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 and to the risk factors, assumptions and uncertainties described in other documents Cenovus files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada (available on SEDAR+ at on EDGAR at and Cenovus's website at Cenovus Energy Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is committed to maximizing value by developing its assets in a safe, responsible and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company's preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit Find Cenovus on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. Cenovus contacts Investors Media Investor Relations general line403-766-7711 Media Relations general line403-766-7751
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
A behind the scenes look at reporting for a 2025 hurricane season guide
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season's official start on June 1 neared, reporter Gianna Montesano spent time compiling the latest information on shelters, emergency contacts and tornado safety tips to educate readers. She used the county emergency management divisions to compile local information and national hurricane forecasts for this story. 2025 hurricane season: What to know about forecasts, shelters, safety tips, emergency alerts and more Why was this an important local story to report? Whether you've lived on the Treasure Coast your whole life or have only recently moved here, it's always good to get a refresher on hurricane safety and the upcoming season. There's a recurring joke on social media that Floridians don't need to prepare for a hurricane because it's never as bad as forecasters say it will be. It couldn't be further from the truth, as we've seen hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton — just to name a few — upend communities and leave behind death, destruction and fear as the communities attempted to rebuild. It's also important to learn from past years, like 2024 when at least 14 tornadoes hit the Treasure Coast ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall. While it's not a surprise that tornadoes can touch down in Florida, it's important to be aware that it can happen and how to stay safe if it does happen. Was there anything you couldn't answer when reporting this story? If so, why not? The weather is unpredictable, so the one thing I wish I could have answered is if we're going to be hit by any hurricanes on the Treasure Coast. What's next with this topic? Throughout hurricane season, TCPalm and the USA Today network will provide coverage of any potential threats forming in the tropics to keep the community informed about how our area could be affected. Where can residents go to get more information? Residents can go to their county's emergency management pages with additional information on pet-friendly and special-needs shelter registration, evacuation zones, disaster planning and more. Here are the county websites where more information is readily available online, including the portals to signup for the county alert system. Martin County: St. Lucie County: Indian River County: Is there anything residents can do to get more involved with this topic? Stay informed throughout hurricane season by keeping up on local news, county alerts and weather forecasts, especially when a threat is present. Gianna Montesano is TCPalm's trending reporter. You can contact her at 772-409-1429, or follow her on X @gonthescene. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 2025 hurricane season safety, forecast guide for Florida
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Turmoil, worry swirl over cuts to key federal agencies as hurricane season begins
With predictions for a busy hurricane season beginning Sunday, experts in storms and disasters are worried about something potentially as chaotic as the swirling winds: Massive cuts to the federal system that forecasts, tracks and responds to hurricanes. Experts are alarmed over the large-scale staff reductions, travel and training restrictions and grant cut-offs since President Donald Trump took office at both the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which prepares for and responds to hurricanes, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which tracks and forecasts them. 'My nightmare is a major catastrophic storm hitting an area that is reeling from the impact of all of this nonsense from the Trump administration and people will die. And that could happen in Florida, that could happen in Texas, that could happen in South Carolina,' said Susan Cutter, the director of the Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute at the University of South Carolina. Representatives of both NOAA and FEMA say the agencies are prepared. About 2,000 full-time staff have left FEMA since Trump took office in January, a loss of roughly one-third of the agency's full-time workforce, amid Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) mandated cuts. Scholars who study emergency management are concerned by both the reduction in capacity and the 'brain drain' of experienced staff. 'There's really been a brain drain within FEMA in addition to the loss of overall employees,' said Samantha Montano, who teaches emergency management at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She noted that many who left were in critical management positions. The agency is run by an acting chief, David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer who served overseas and worked as the Department of Homeland Security's assistant secretary for countering weapons of mass destruction. He does not appear to have any experience in managing disasters. Emergency management requires knowing where to get things, who to call, how things work and how to get it done quickly — which comes from experience and establishing relationships with state officials, Montano and Cutter said. What's happening reminds former Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate of 2005, the year Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana and exposed inexperienced and poorly prepared governments at all levels, especially the then-FEMA chief who came from a horse-rearing association. Fugate said he's especially worried about top experienced disaster people leaving FEMA. FEMA canceled various emergency management trainings this spring, moved others online and restricted travel to events such as the National Hurricane Conference. Some trainings have resumed. 'Given the reduction in staffing, being unable to do trainings, participate in conferences, there's potential that the federal government's ability is diminished,'' said former Florida Emergency Management chief Bryan Koon, now president of the disaster preparedness firm IEM. FEMA has also cut disaster resilience programs. Making areas more survivable saves up to $13 for every dollar spent, said Lori Peek, director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado. The federal government promises to be ready for hurricane season, which runs through November. 'FEMA is shifting from bloated DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens,' Associate FEMA Administrator Geoff Harbaugh said in a email. 'FEMA is fully activated in preparation for hurricane season.' FEMA's relationship with states Richardson promised to push more responsibilities to the states. He warned that the agency will only do what the law requires and shift more costs to states. But Koon noted that states haven't budgeted for FEMA's changes, adding: "The biggest issue right now is just the uncertainty.' Some states — which coordinate disaster operations — are experienced in catastrophes, have well trained staff and will do fine, such as Texas and Florida, Fugate said. But it's the poorer states that worry the experts. The feds often pick up the entire bill in big disasters and most of it in smaller ones. In the Trump administration, disaster declarations have been denied or delayed. When disaster declarations were issued for nine states last week, some had been pending for two months and others were only partially approved. 'We've just relied on FEMA for so much for so long and not knowing who's going to fill the gap and how we're going to fill it is really scary," said University at Albany emergency management professor Jeannette Sutton. Hurricane center dodges NOAA cuts NOAA, the parent agency of the National Weather Service, has undergone a series of dramatic job cuts, with some people then reinstated. A sizable chunk of the weather service's 121 local field offices as of late March had vacancy rates of more than 20%, what's seen by outsiders as a critical level of understaffing. Local weather offices are crucial in helping people translate national warnings into what to do locally. 'It should be all hands on deck and we're being hollowed out," former NWS director Louis Uccellini said. But the National Hurricane Center, which tracks and warns of hurricanes in the Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean, has been spared. Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham and National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said the agency is prepared for the season with the Miami-based storm center fully staffed and so are the planes that fly into storms. For the first time this year, the hurricane center will incorporate artificial intelligence into forecasting because it has shown to improve predictions generally, Brennan said. 'Our services have never been better,' Graham said. 'Our ability to serve this country has never been better. And it will be this year as well.' But beyond the hurricane center, weather balloons launches have been curtailed because of lack of staffing. In some places, balloon launches have dropped from twice a day to once a day. NOAA hopes to get more balloons launched if needed, Brennan said. Data from the balloons is crucial for understanding steering currents and needed for forecasts, Uccellini said. He said when hurricanes threatened during his tenure he would order the launch of several extra balloons in the Great Plains to help figure out if storms would hit the United States. 'Hurricane forecasts, I'm expecting not to be as accurate this year because of that lack of balloon data,″ said former NOAA meteorologist Jeff Masters, now at Yale Climate Connections. ___ Aoun Angueira reported from San Diego. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
We have to be prepared for FEMA not showing up.': Seminole County braces for hurricane season
It was an all-hands-on-deck kind of day on Friday at the Emergency Management Office in Seminole County. Officials and first response teams were doing what they tell residents to do every year ahead of hurricane season: be prepared. 'Once the storm is already here, is too late. We see the rushes at the grocery stores, gas stations,' said Chief Imeson, Seminole County Fire Department. 'We are making the best of our assets, identifying areas we can improve upon. Working on communication for a very large-scale incident.' The men and women who will take action when a storm hits gathered for the training - they all came to the emergency operations center on Friday for a crucial exercise. From law enforcement to the fire department, to solid waste, they used the experience from previous storms to prepare for what's next. 'This gives us an opportunity to run through like it's a real event and we are cutting all of the kinks and will be ready for when a real storm hits,' said Oliver Bond, Solid Waste Division manager. Volunteers called the office about all sorts of real-life issues during hurricanes - from requesting shelter for special needs children, to support with hurricane kits, to even requesting emergency services for non-English speakers. 'We have anything from hazmat calls, hazmat releases from trucks being flipped over we've had interesting calls with kids playing in waterways and water rescues,' Chief Imeson said. Channel 9 learned Seminole County had requested 300 thousand dollars from FEMA to help with generators for emergency operations. The money was denied due to the recent budget cuts. 'We just have to be prepared for FEMA not showing up,' said Alan Harris, Emergency Manager in Seminole County, when he was asked about the budget cuts impacting the emergency response ahead of the hurricane season. 'This is a different kind of year because usually with disaster relief centers, we may be responsible for that now.' County officials said they have partnerships with other counties for first response, which means the training keeps Seminole County safe and all communities across Central Florida. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
