Hurricane Recovery Report

Restoration of power remains the primary focus of recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Juan, Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act, said today, Oct. 1.

Mr. Fage said co-ordinated provincial, municipal and federal efforts to assist Nova Scotia Power in that essential work continues.

Meanwhile, all provincial roads are open, emergency assistance is being made available to families needing food and the province has secured federal assurances that cost-sharing arrangements for disaster relief will be available.

"The majority of the problems continue to stem from the power outage. These problems include spoiling food and lack of water for those on wells," the minister said. "We are assured by Nova Scotia Power that the restoration effort is proceeding with all the dispatch that safety allows."

Armed forces personnel, provincial transportation employees and workers from affected municipalities are working with power crews to clear trees so repairs can be made to power lines and poles. Information numbers for Nova Scotia Power are 902-428-6004 in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) or toll free at 1-877-428- 6004.

Military officials are asking drivers to slow down and use care and caution in areas where personnel are helping with the clean- up and power restoration. And Emergency Measures Organization officials have repeated warnings that people should stay away from downed power lines.

Community Services Department staff are working with the Red Cross and with food banks to ensure that anyone who needs food, shelter or assistance is being taken care of.

Provincial caseworkers are working with income assistance clients whose groceries spoiled in freezers or refrigerators while the power was out. Emergency assistance will be provided immediately to those in need. Additional assistance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The Health Department is also providing extra support for seniors. Assistance and information is available at 1-800-225- 7225.

Food specialists from the Department of Agriculture have contacted nursing homes to provide food safety information and home care services have been prioritized so those who need help most urgently will receive it first.

Food safety questions can be directed to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 902-424-1173.

Public health officials continue to urge people to also keep safety in mind when using candles, outdoor cooking stoves, chain saws or when climbing to remove branches or clear debris.

If prescriptions are running low and patients are unable to contact their family doctors, a pharmacy may be able to help temporarily.

The Department of Environment and Labour advises that municipal water utilities are continuing to supply water that is safe for human consumption. If you have your own well and it was not damaged during the hurricane, the water will be the same as before the hurricane. If there is any doubt, the best policy is to boil the water for at least one minute before consuming.

Questions about water, especially well water, should be directed to 902-424-7773 in HRM, East or West Hants. In Colchester and Pictou counties phone 902-893-5880.

All furnace oil spills resulting from line breaks, flooding or tank damage should be reported to the Department of Environment and Labour at 902-424-7773 during business hours, at the environmental emergencies number 1-800-565-1633, or at 902-426- 6030.

People experiencing telephone service problems can contact their service provider to report service outages. They are reminded not to touch downed phone lines; contact the phone company for repair.

A ban has ordered on open fires in areas affected by the hurricane. Burning of tree limbs and other hurricane debris is prohibited until Wednesday Oct. 15 due to the potential fire hazard. Municipal and volunteer firefighters are assisting in cleanup and recovery operations and must be available for emergencies other than brush fires.

Provincial parks, including campgrounds, that are operated by the Department of Natural Resources within Halifax and Colchester counties are now closed for the season because of storm-related damage.

All schools and school board offices in the Halifax Regional School Board region will remain closed for the remainder of the week.

Repairs are underway to provincial buildings damaged by the storm. Most provincial government offices are back in operation, either in their usual premises or, if power is still out, in alternative quarters.