Hurricane Earl-Questions and Answers

Effects of Hurricane Earl in Nova Scotia

Preparing for Hurricane Earl

Tourism, parks and beaches

Monday shopping

Flooding

Power Outages

Storm Surges

State of Emergency

Sickness during the hurricane

Effects of Hurricane Earl in Nova Scotia

How will Hurricane Earl affect Nova Scotia?

Based on weather patterns and computer models, Hurricane Earl is expected to affect weather in Nova Scotia this weekend.

This is a large storm and could have a wide impact across the province.

For more information on the hurricane’s weather patterns, visit Environment Canada website at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca .

Preparing for Hurricane Earl

How do I prepare myself and my family for the effects of Hurricane Earl?

As we continue to closely watch Earl, it is extremely important that Nova Scotians take the time now to prepare.

• Nova Scotians should continue to monitor weather reports and watch for public safety information.        
• Have an emergency plan and an emergency kit including items such as a crank or battery powered radio and flashlight, water and extra food, prescription medications, infant formula, copies of important documents in case you need to leave fast, extra keys for car and home, cash, copy of your emergency plan. A complete list of suggested items for your emergency kit can be found at: http://emo.gov.ns.ca/content/prepare-kit .
• Listen for possible weather warnings, and updates. 
• Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for up to 72 hours so that first responders can help those in greatest need.
• Ensure your car is filled with gas, have propane for the BBQ or camp stove, and some cash on hand.
• Secure propane tanks outdoors to the most stable portion of your balcony using bungee cords or rope. Refer to the Government of N.S. website found at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/fuelsafety/fsbpropanedanger to review the specific concerns around safe storage of propane tanks.
• Secure your property and anything that could become a projectile in high winds.
• Park your car away from trees.
• Keep your pets indoors.
• More information about getting ready is available online at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .

If a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning is issued, what should I do?

If a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning is issued:

• Make sure your emergency kit ( http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/knw/kt/kt-eng.aspx ) is close at hand, in a portable container such as a duffel bag or suitcase with wheels.
• Be sure to tune in to local broadcast networks for updates from authorities
• Fill your bathtub(s) with water for flushing, washing and cleaning    
• Secure all gates, doors and windows  
• Move lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything that can be picked up by wind  
• Trim dead or diseased branches from trees to help make them more wind resistant, or remove dead trees entirely. Safety should always be your first priority when trimming trees. Ensure that you are not working near a power line.  
• Park your vehicles in a garage or away from trees  
• Keep pets indoors  
• If you own a watercraft be sure it is out of water and up to high ground 
• High winds create huge waves at sea which, when they reach the shore, may become tidal waves or storm surges. If you live in coastal or flood prone areas, watch for safety and weather warnings, and consider measures such as sand bagging, and moving belongings from their basement to protect personal belongings and property.
• Do not go down to the water to watch the storm. Most people who are killed during hurricanes are caught in large waves, storm surges or flood waters.
• If the eye of the hurricane passes over, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from two or three minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs only and remember that once the eye has passed over, the winds will return from the opposite direction with possibly even greater force.
• On a farm, it may be better to leave livestock unsheltered. During Hurricane Andrew, some horses left outside suffered less injury then those placed in shelters. This was because some shelters selected did not withstand the high winds. Horses were injured by collapsing structures and flying objects that may have been avoided on the outside.
• Shelter in place in a secure building.
• Staying in a mobile home during a hurricane can be more dangerous than going outside. When you go outside, lie down in a ditch or depression away from the mobile home and away from cars.

How is the province preparing for Hurricane Earl?

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

Currently, the Emergency Management Office is getting regular updates from Environment Canada on the track of the storm. As the storm gets closer we will work with our network of emergency managers across the province to ensure everyone is prepared to respond as quickly as possible.

We have an experienced and highly trained team of professionals at EMO and across all government departments. We are monitoring the situation and are prepared to ramp up and respond when required.

Tourism, parks and beaches

Will it be safe for me to swim at beaches, or be at parks during Hurricane Earl?

Leading up to the arrival of Hurricane Earl, we urge Nova Scotians to use extreme caution if they are swimming or taking part in other water activities on our shores. As Earl approaches we expect to see very strong and sometimes dangerous currents.

If you do decide to go into the water, do not swim at unsupervised beaches, stay close to the shore, keep children within arm’s reach and swim with a partner.

Once Hurricane Earl arrives in Nova Scotia, EMO strongly advises Nova Scotians to stay out of the water to avoid any dangerous situations.

The Department of Natural Resources has advised that it may become necessary to close provincial parks and beaches. Anyone who makes a cancellation at a provincial park this weekend will be fully refunded.

For more information on beaches and provincial parks, visit www.novascotiaparks.ca .

I was planning on visiting Nova Scotia this long weekend. Should I cancel my plans?

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage has been working to alert visitors to Nova Scotia that Hurricane Earl is on its way.

Visitors are urged to closely watch the local weather and listen for public safety warnings. Start to consider how this could affect your travel or outdoor plans and consider making alternative arrangements.

Tourists can call Check-Ins at 1-800-565-0000 or visit a Visitor Information Centre for additional information.

People travelling by air are advised to contact their airlines for up-to-date information and flight schedule changes. The Halifax Stanfield International Airport will be updating advisories all weekend on flyhalifax.com and the Visitor Information Centre at the airport continues to advise travelers of the storm.

Monday shopping

Will stores be open on Monday?

Nova Scotians are always willing to lend a hand to their fellow citizens. We have no doubt that stores will open in areas where there is a need.

In the absence of a declaration of a state of emergency, the Minister of Justice can request that law enforcement waive any fines for stores that open in areas of need. Under a state of emergency, the Minister of Emergency Management can order stores open.

Flooding

How do I prepare for possible flooding?

The Emergency Management Office reminds Nova Scotians that flooding can occur at any time after heavy rainfalls and weather-related emergencies, such as Hurricane Earl.

In preparation for Hurricane Earl, Nova Scotians are encouraged to prepare for potential flooding by moving furniture and personal property away from possible flood water, securing property that might be swept away or damaged by a flood, and piling sandbags along shorelines abutting property.

Residents are also encouraged to ensure they have access to drinking water in case their regular supply is unavailable or becomes contaminated.

What do I do if there is a flood?

In the event of a flood:

• Listen to the radio. Local authorities will issue instructions for those living in the affected areas.
• Know how to turn off your water, gas and electricity in case instructed to by local officials. If the main power box is not in a dry, safe area, do not try to turn off the electricity. Contact Nova Scotia Power at 428-6004 or 1-877-428-6004 for instructions.
• Do not use well water for drinking, cooking or bathing until the water has been tested and it has been declared safe to use.
• If drinking water is contaminated, purify it by boiling. Contact local environment offices at 1-877-936-8476 with questions about safe drinking water.

What precautionary steps should I take after a flood?

• Listen to the radio for instructions. Local municipal offices will let people know when it is safe to return home.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Right after a storm, floodwaters are at their most dangerous. It only takes six inches of rapidly moving water to knock people off their feet.  
• Do not reconnect gas or electrical supplies. Arrange for qualified personnel to inspect and connect these services.
• Leave and contact the gas company immediately if you smell gas.
• Check carefully for signs of damage, broken glass and other debris.
• Snakes, rodents and other small animals may have been forced into homes by floodwaters. Check and contact a local municipal office for assistance, if needed.

Some items may need to be discarded after a flood. Items such as mattresses, pillows, sofas and upholstered furniture that have been soaked with flood water are no longer safe from harmful bacteria. Any food that has come in contact with flood water must also be discarded. This includes fresh or frozen food, food in boxes or jars, all bottled drinks and any cans that show signs of damage.

Who should I contact with questions about my water supply?

If you have questions about your water, you should contact your local environment office by calling 1-877-9ENVIRO.

Power Outages

What do I do in the event of a power outage?

In the wake of power outages linked to Hurricane Earl, government is reminding Nova Scotians to use added caution in and outside their homes.

People are reminded to be particularly aware of dangers in places serviced only by electric-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which will not work during outages.

The provincial fire marshal also offers the following safety tips:

• Be sure battery-powered detectors and alarms have fresh batteries and are in good working condition.
• Using candles is not recommended, but if you must use them, make sure they are properly supported. Use a non-combustible container that is larger than the candle. Keep materials at least half a metre (two feet) away from candles. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room.
• Put the correct fuel in portable 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. If using a portable, unvented kerosene heater, it is vital to open a window one inch or keep a door ajar to another room to provide safe ventilation, especially if the room is less than 150 sq. feet.
• Generators should be operated in well ventilated locations outdoors, away from doors, windows and vent openings. They should be placed so that exhaust fumes cannot enter the home through windows, doors or other building openings. Generators must be certified and connected to the electrical system of a house by a construction electrician. They should be used to power equipment such as lights, portable electric heaters and water pump and other equipment that may by connected directly by plug to the generator.
• Do not attempt to run extension cords from a house that has electrical power to one that does not. This can place both houses in danger of an electrical fire and is dangerous to repair crews.
• Check stoves and other heating equipment to make sure that they are turned off. When electrical power is restored, a stove or other heating device can cause a fire if it is not attended.
• As always, if you have an emergency, call 911.

Is my food safe after a power outage?

In the wake of power outages linked to Hurricane Earl, many people have questions about the safety of foods from their refrigerators and deep freezes.

Here are some general food safety tips to consider:

• Perishable food that has reached room temperature for more than two hours must be discarded.
• Any food in a deep freeze that is fully stocked is good for about 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.
• Food retail outlets are advised to keep food below 4 degrees Celsius. Any perishable food left above this temperature for more than two hours should be discarded immediately. 

The Department of Agriculture indicates that the foods most often associated with food-borne illness include: raw or cooked meat, poultry, seafood and luncheon meats; casseroles, stews or soups; milk or soft cheese; homemade mayonnaise or dressings; cooked pasta, potatoes or rice, salads made with any of these foods.

For more information on food safety, visit: www.gov.ns.ca/agri/foodsafety/factsht/ or call 902-424-1173.

Who do I contact for more information related to power outages?

For more information on power outages in specific neighbourhoods, call 1-877-428-6004. Remember that many people may be calling this number. Do not hang up – calls are taken in the order they are received.

You can also visit the Nova Scotia Power website at: http://www.nspower.ca/en/home/residential/outageinformation/default.aspx , or on your cell phone at: www.nspower.ca/m

Storm Surges

What is a storm surge?

A storm surge is an abnormal rise in water levels along the coast and is particularly dangerous when an intense storm arrives at the same time as high tide. They can create tremendous damage, sever flooding and force evacuations.

Storm surges often accompany intense winter storms, hurricanes or high winds.

Who is at risk of storm surges?

There are many coastal communities in Nova Scotia that could be affected by storm surges and coastal flooding. Getting caught near the shoreline during a storm surge could be life-threatening. It is important that people take measures to protect themselves, their family and their property.

How do I prepare myself and my family for a storm surge?

As we prepare for Hurricane Earl, Emergency Management Office is asking Nova Scotians to take measure to protect themselves in the event of a storm surge.

To prepare for a storm-surge related emergency, there are a number of things that can be done in advance:

• Prepare an emergency supply kit that includes food, a supply of drinkable water, clothing, blankets, medication, flashlight and a first aid kit. Include any important documents and a list of your property and personal items. A complete list of suggested items for your emergency kit can be found at: http://emo.gov.ns.ca/content/prepare-kit .

• Listen for warnings. Include battery-operated or crank radio in emergency kits to check for weather warnings in the event a storm surge is forecast.
• Develop a family plan. Agree on a location to meet if separated during an emergency and make sure to know emergency plans for schools, offices, daycare and other places where family members spend time.
• If a region is prone to flooding, check basements for important or valuable items and move them to a higher level in the home.
• Know how to turn off water, gas and electricity in case instructed to do so by local officials.

What do I do if I’ve been ordered to evacuate because of a storm surge?

If ordered to evacuate because of a storm surge, take appropriate measures:

• Have an evacuation plan. Make sure family members know what to do in the event of an evacuation.
• When ordered to go, leave immediately and take an emergency supply kit with you.
• Listen to the radio and follow instructions from local emergency official.
• Follow the evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts. A shortcut could lead to a restricted or dangerous area.

State of Emergency

What does a state of emergency mean?

The reason for declaring a state of emergency is to protect lives and property during a major disaster.

During a state of emergency, people may be asked to stay off the roads to allow for easier movement of emergency vehicles. Beaches may be closed so to protect people from dangerous surf conditions during a hurricane.

A state of emergency may also mean that people can be evacuated from a certain area if there is a real or potential threat to lives.

Who declares a state of emergency?

EMO would first consult with municipalities and other experts, such as the Canadian Hurricane Centre, to gather information on the likelihood of an emergency happening.  Based on these discussions, EMO would then advise the Minister on whether a state of emergency should be declared.  If agreed, the Minister would sign a state of emergency form that indicates the specific area of the Province where the state of emergency exists.  A state of emergency declared by the Minister terminates automatically after 14 days, or sooner if the Minister so decides.  It can also be renewed by the Minister with the approval of the Executive Council.

A municipality can also declare a state of local emergency.  Again, if a Mayor or municipal council is satisfied that an emergency exists or could exist, the Mayor or council would sign a form specifying the specific area of the municipality where the state of emergency applies.  The Minister of Emergency Management and EMO Nova Scotia must be advised that a local state of emergency has been declared.  A state of local emergency terminates automatically after 7 days, or earlier if so desired by the municipality or the Minister.  Any renewal of a local state of emergency must be approved by the Minister.

In both cases, the public will be advised of the state of emergency. 

What will happen if an evacuation is needed? Who will order it?

If an evacuation is needed, the local police will order it.

Would an evacuation be mandatory?

Any evacuation is carefully and seriously considered before being ordered. It means that there is a real concern for people’s lives as a result of an impending or actual disaster.

The evacuation order would be mandatory, and people would have to leave any area being evacuated.

Sickness during the hurricane

What do I do if I or a member of my family becomes ill during the hurricane?

Those experiencing heat-related illness symptoms should call HealthLink 811 with questions. In an emergency situation, call 911.