The province is advising Nova Scotians to prepare for potential severe weather this winter and to have emergency plans to ensure families are safe and warm.

“When severe winter storms hit, we encourage all Nova Scotians to be ready and to be cautious,” said Lena Diab, Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office.

Environment Canada predicts snow and potential ice pellets and rain for parts of Nova Scotia, starting Sunday morning in Yarmouth.

People are encouraged to stay home in severe weather for everyone’s safety, and allow winter maintenance operators to properly clear the roads. If it is necessary to drive during a storm, check webcams or call 511 for provincial highway conditions.

Drivers should install snow tires and check 72-hour emergency and car safety kits.

“While it is vital to prepare vehicles for winter driving conditions, it is only one part of staying safe,” said Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. “Drivers need to stay off the roads if possible so crews can get them plowed.

“If people must travel, they need to remember to slow down, increase their following distance and allow plenty of time to get to their destination.”

Tips to prepare emergency kits are available at http://emo.gov.ns.ca/content/prepare-kit highway conditions are posted at http://511.gov.ns.ca and for webcams go to http://novascotia.ca/tran/cameras/ .

Source: Release