Province to Help With Purchase of Generators

EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Province to Help With Purchase of Generators

Communities across Nova Scotia will soon benefit from improved access to back-up electrical power during an emergency.

The province will help emergency measures co-ordinators purchase generators for use in fire halls -- to support the emergency requirements of the fire service -- or for emergency relocation centres. These are alternate locations, such as schools or community centres, that provide temporary shelter to those who require assistance during an emergency.

The province will share up to 50 per cent of the cost, to a maximum of $3,600, to help emergency measures co-ordinators purchase generators.

"Emergency measures co-ordinators have told us that they need improved access to back-up electrical power during an emergency," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "This support will benefit Nova Scotians and help ensure our province continues to be as prepared as possible for emergencies."

Generators purchased any time during the current fiscal year -- up to and including March 31, 2005 -- are eligible for assistance under the program. The program is part of a two-year plan that will be administered by the provincial Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).

EMO is working with the emergency measures co-ordinators to develop an inventory of emergency back-up power requirements. EMO will also consult with the co-ordinators on the development of a two-year plan to address their needs.