**** EMO Media Release
Residents encouraged to prepare for significant weather event
The Halifax Regional Municipality’s Emergency Management Division will be monitoring weather forecasts in the coming days as Hurricane Dorian heads for our region.
With the storm forecasted to hit this weekend, residents are urged to prepare in advance.
Property damage:
The largest threat to homes and property is flying debris. Please move umbrellas and patio furniture inside and remove anything that high winds could pick up such as garbage, flower pots, toys etc.
Residents are also encouraged to clear their storm drains of debris to reduce the likelihood of water pooling and trim dead branches or cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of them falling.
Preparedness Tips:
With expected power outages, please refer to Halifax.ca for a full list of preparedness tips and emergency kits. If you have a well, it’s recommended you fill water jugs and your bathtub, as a loss of power will prevent access to well water that relies on electric pumps.
Emergency food and water should be on hand for all family members, including pets. All personal vehicles should be filled with fuel and cell phones should be charged. Many households are now solely reliant on cell phones so battery chargers as well as flashlights are also recommended.
Special items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal should be gathered before the storm.
Cash should also be on hand in the event of a power outage as bank machines may be non-operational.
Safety:
As a reminder, never operate a generator, BBQ or any other fuel filled item inside your home or garage.
Residents are also urged to stay away from the coastline during the storm due to dangers associated with storm surge(s).
Emergency Shelters:
There are numerous locations pre-identified by the municipality as potential emergency comfort centers and shelter sites. Specific sites are activated based on a number of factors identified when assessing each emergency situation. The public will be notified of emergency comfort centers and shelter sites once they are activated. This information is shared via various methods and communications channels including halifax.ca, our primary Twitter account @hfxgov and public service announcements.
Residents can also call 311 for updated information on municipal services or to report issues such as flooding, downed trees or blocked roadways. For emergencies, residents should call 911.
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 media outlets 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
— keeping pets inside
— moving any type of watercraft to high ground
— ensure the safety of you and your family
— check on neighbours
— if the power has gone out, do not leave candles unattended
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.
Additional Resources:
For information on how to prepare for a hurricane and regular updates visit https://novascotia.ca/emergency and https://twitter.com/nsemo .
Power outages should be reported to Nova Scotia Power at 1-877-428-6004.
The Emergency Management Division is focused on ensuring the safety and security of residents, their properties, and the environment.
For more information on being prepared for an emergency, the Emergency Management web page.
Residents are encouraged to follow the @hfxgov Twitter account for updates and information during an emergency.