Public Safety Remains a Priority

As the clean-up in the aftermath of Hurricane Juan continues, the province's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) advises Nova Scotians that public safety is still a priority.

"Staff of the Emergency Measures Organization and all the response teams involved are doing everything they can to ensure the prompt restoration of services to everyone affected by Hurricane Juan," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "We are also asking Nova Scotians to do what they can to ensure their own safety at this time."

Many people have questions about the safety of foods that remain in refrigerators. Following are some general food safety tips from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries: -- Any perishable food that is currently in the fridge is not safe to eat at this time. -- Any food in the deep freeze that is fully stocked is good for two days from the time of power failure.
-- Any food in a half-filled deep freeze is safe to eat for one day from the time of power failure. -- Perishable food that has reached room temperature for more than two hours must be discarded. -- Food retail outlets are advised to keep food below four degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit). Any perishable food left above this temperature for more than two hours should be discarded immediately.

For further information on food safety, call 902-424-1173, or visit the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/foodsafety .

Food safety specialists are currently assessing food supplies at grocery stores, food banks and nursing homes. HRM's public information line has a list of grocery stores that are open. That number is 902-490-4000.

"Many services are at least partially operational, however, we remind people that everyone is in the same situation. We encourage people to buy only enough milk, water and gas, for example, to meet immediate needs," said Mr. Fage.

The provincial fire marshal is asking Nova Scotians to be extra careful with open flames and other sources of heat while they are without power.

All fire departments in the province are fully operational and able to respond to emergencies. As always, if you have an emergency call 911.

The following are tips to help identify potential safety risks:

• Candle use: Make sure candles are properly supported -- use a non-combustible container that is larger than the candle. Keep materials at least two feet away from candles. Extinguish any candles before leaving the room.

• Portable appliances: Put the correct fuel in appliances like Coleman stoves or oil lamps. Substituting fuels is extremely dangerous. Propane and liquid camp stoves are for outdoor use only. Space heaters create carbon monoxide. Ensure they are used in rooms with good ventilation and placed on a flat hard surface to prevent tipping. Do not leave the units unattended.

• Smoke detectors: Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly. Remember, electric-powered detectors do not work when the power is out.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is also in the process of gathering information regarding Hurricane Juan's effect on Nova Scotia farms and the fishery.

Staff of the Department of Transportation and Public Works are working hard to restore road systems in affected areas. Crews are also working with Nova Scotia Power to remove trees from the sides of provincial roads. The public is advised to use caution in these areas and to avoid downed power lines.

Emergency Health Services is operating as usual.

All Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations offices in HRM and Truro are closed today, Sept. 30. These offices include:

• Access Nova Scotia centres
• Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
• Registry of Deeds
• Registry of Vital Statistics (birth, marriage and death certificates)
• Registry of Joint Stock Companies
• department head office in the Maritime Centre, Barrington Street, Halifax

Staff are working to have all offices open on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Access Nova Scotia, RMV and Registry of Deeds offices outside HRM and Truro remain open. Online services are also operating as usual.

For questions regarding insurance claims, people are advised to contact their individual insurance company, or the Insurance Bureau of Canada's Consumer Information Centre in Halifax at 1- 800-565-7189, ext 227.

The province's public inquiries line will be operational until 7 p.m. today, Sept. 30. The number is 902-424-5200 in Halifax or toll-free 1-800-670-4357.

The province's Emergency Operations Centre remains activated. Since last week staff with the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) have been in constant contact with municipal and federal emergency measures organizations to ensure an integrated response.

The following are contact numbers for various agencies involved in the clean-up process:

Water and Water Quality

• HRM, East and West Hants 902-424-7773
  Colchester, Pictou, Truro 902-893-5880

Food Safety -- 902-424-1173

Halifax Regional Municipality -- 902-490-4000

Aliant (to report phone outage) -- 611

Red Cross -- 1-800-222-9597

Nova Scotia Power Inc. -- 902-428-6004