The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is reminding Nova Scotians to take steps to help minimize risk of property and personal damage from a hurricane or tropical storm.

Strong winds, heavy rains and storm and power surges can cause significant damage.

All Nova Scotians are asked to prepare in advance and monitor local weather forecasts this weekend.

The basic checklist includes:
— enough food and water for 72 hours
— monitoring local broadcast networks for updates
— securing gates, doors and windows
— moving yard furniture and securing trash cans, hanging plants and anything that can be picked up by wind
— checking radio batteries
— filling vehicles with gas and parking them away from trees
— removing dead or diseased branches from trees to make them more wind resistant
— keeping pets inside
— moving any type of watercraft to high ground

EMO is working with Environment Canada and partners on the approaching storm, gathering municipal information, identifying possible local risk areas and conducting information sessions with provincial and municipal emergency management officers and co-ordinators.

More storm tips can be found at http://novascotia.ca/just/EMO/prepare_for_an_emergency/risks/hurricanes.asp .

Source: Release