Severe Weather Events

Municipal update regarding efforts to prepare for - and respond to - significant weather event

Nov. 22, 2021: HRFE Deputy Chief, Roy Hollett, and Housing and Homeless Administrator, Erica Fleck, provide update on preparations for severe weather event

     

    Notifications & Service Updates

    Last update: November 24, 5:25 p.m.

    Be prepared
    • The largest threat to homes and property is flying debris. Please move umbrellas and patio furniture inside and remove anything that high winds could pick up such as garbage, flower pots, toys, etc.
    • You're encouraged to clear storm drains of debris to reduce the likelihood of water pooling. 
    • Emergency food and water should be on hand for all family members, including pets. Personal vehicles should be filled with fuel and cell phones should be charged. Many households are now solely reliant on cell phones so battery chargers are recommended. Flashlights should also be equipped with new batteries.
    • Never operate a generator, BBQ or any other fuel filled item inside your home or garage. 
    • Stay away from the coastline during any severe weather event due to dangers associated with potential storm surges.
    • With the potential for power outages, visit our website for a full list of preparedness tips and emergency kits. If you have a well, it’s recommended you fill water jugs and your bathtub, as a loss of power will prevent access to well water that relies on electric pumps.  
    • Special items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, medication for your pets or service animal should be gathered before the storm.
    • Cash should also be on hand in the event of a power outage as bank machines may be non-operational. 
    • We're urging you to sign-up for hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system. Subscribers will receive alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up here.
    • You can call 311 for updated information on municipal services or to report issues such as flooding, downed trees or blocked roadways.
    • For emergencies, call 911.
    Support for people experiencing homelessness 
    • During the recent storm, the municipality collaborated with the Province of Nova Scotia, professional service providers and community-based agencies to provide temporary emergency shelters as well as a comfort centre to occupants of homeless encampments.
    • Emergency shelters provide overnight accommodation to individuals, and their belongings, ensuring there is a safe place to stay during the storm. Comfort centres provide emergency food and water, a place to recharge devices, receive up-to-date information and warmth.
    • Ground Search & Rescue visited all locations where the municipality was aware of occupants of homeless encampments, to offer transportation to these facilities.
    • Now that the storm has passed, the additional emergency shelter and comfort centre have closed. The emergency shelter that opened a number of weeks ago accommodate individuals from Meagher Park will remain open until alternative accommodations are available.
    • For more information on the municipality’s approach to homelessness and initiatives to support affordable housing, visit our helping address homelessness page.
    Solid Waste
    • Waste collection service is being provided as scheduled.
    Parks and Recreation
    • The Halifax Public Gardens is open. 
    • All-weather fields are open.
    Halifax Transit
    • Halifax Transit bus and ferry services are continuing as usual. Please monitor @hfxtransit for updates.

     

    Updates and statements