Preparations Urged as Hurricane Earl Moves Closer to Nova Scotia

As Hurricane Earl maintains a track towards Nova Scotia, Emergency Management Office officials are urging Nova Scotians to continue to prepare for the potential storm.

All three levels of government and partner organizations, including utilities, are working collaboratively to ensure the safety of Nova Scotians.

Environment Canada advises that Hurricane Earl will likely have an effect on the province beginning the evening of Friday, Sept. 3 and through the weekend.

Today a hurricane watch was issued for Digby, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Annapolis, Halifax, Hants, Kings and Lunenburg counties, as well as the Fundy side of Colchester and Cumberland counties.

"I encourage all Nova Scotians to continue to prepare for the potential of Hurricane Earl making landfall in Nova Scotia," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Emergency Management. "As this storm moves towards us, it continues to be very powerful. It's imperative that people are prepared."

As the storm moves closer to the province, particularly in the 24-hours before arrival, its potential impact and strength will become clearer. EMO will then be better able to do risk assessments and provide more specific guidance to Nova Scotians and other partners.

Nova Scotians have been encouraged to take some basic steps to prepare for an emergency, including having an emergency kit, cash, family contact information and shelter ready.

"People should also begin to look at whether they have enough propane on hand to operate a barbecue, that their vehicles are fully fuelled and cellphones are charged," said Ms. Jennex. "In the event of an emergency, many of the modern conveniences we rely upon are taken away."

People are reminded that safety should be the top priority during an emergency. The use of candles as a light source can be extremely dangerous. Barbecues and camping stoves should never be used indoors. When using a generator, closely follow all operating instructions.

Keeping in mind that hurricanes are unpredictable, Nova Scotians should reconsider weekend plans, especially outdoor activities. Event organizers across the province are advised to continue to closely monitor weather and public safety advisories.

Government departments, led by EMO, continue to prepare for the storm. EMO will open the Joint Emergency Operations Centre and staff it 24/7, if required.

"We have been working closely with government departments and federal, municipal and other partners to ensure that everything is in place in the event of Hurricane Earl," said Mike Myette, director of emergency services at EMO. "Through these partnerships, we will work collaboratively to provide an effective response."

Through Check-in Nova Scotia and Visitor Information Services, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage is working to inform visitors to the province of the impending weather. Tourists in the area should consider making alternate arrangements if travel is not possible. Visitors needing accommodation help can contact 1-800-565-0000 or visit a Visitor Information Centre.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is monitoring weather and travellers are advised to check with airlines for up-to-date information and flight schedule changes. A travel advisory on the airport's website (www.flyhalifax.com) will be updated throughout the weekend and the Visitor Information Centre in the terminal is informing people arriving of impending weather conditions.

The Department of Natural Resources is informing provincial park campers of the storm potential and ensuring their needs are met. Provincial parks and beaches may be closed, if warranted. Those cancelling provincial parks reservations this weekend will be fully reimbursed.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is working to ensure crews are mobilized, when and where, the storm may hit. EMO is preparing to deploy resources to areas that may be most affected.

Visit the EMO website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo for more emergency preparedness information.