State of Emergency Still in Effect

The state of emergency in Nova Scotia is still in effect as the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) continues to monitor the winter storm that is blowing through the entire province.

The following is the latest update from the provincial government:

• All provincial government offices in the Halifax Regional Municipality will be closed on Friday, Feb. 20.

• The provincial emergency operations centre is still operational.

• The Department of Transportation and Public Works is working with Emergency Health Services, RCMP, municipal police and Nova Scotia Power to assist emergency personnel. Crews are working to keep major routes passable for emergency vehicles but the public should stay off the roads.

• Highway 104 from the New Brunswick border to Masstown is closed. Other roads may become unpassable depending on weather conditions.

• EMO officials are in contact with municipalities across the province that are responding to the storm and will provide assistance if needed.

• Emergency Health Services has modified its regular response protocols to ensure the safety of paramedics and patients for the duration of the storm. People with medical emergencies should still call 911 to receive emergency assistance.

• Continuous contact is being maintained with the Maritime Weather Centre to receive the most up to date weather information.

• Individuals should still stay off the roads to allow snow ploughs and emergency services to do their jobs.

“Today’s storm has practically shut down the entire province and it isn’t over yet,” said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. “As the storm continues into the evening with the possibility of a large storm surge along the northern shoreline of Nova Scotia, it is critical Nova Scotians remain off the roads and listen for the latest information from their local media outlets.”

More information on emergency preparedness is available on EMO’s website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .