Emergency Operations Centre activated as storm moves through the region

Many city services will be closed for the duration of the storm, and residents are reminded to secure anything outdoors that could be picked up by high winds

 CityNews Halifax Staff

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NEWS RELEASE
HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
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The Halifax Regional Municipality’s Emergency Management Division continues to closely monitor the complex weather system as it moves across our region.

The storm is expected to bring in excess of 100-150 mm of rain with winds expected to reach 90-100 km/h over the next two days.

The municipality has activated its Emergency Operations Centre. It will remain activated until the storm has passed.

Residents are advised of the following impacts to municipal services as a result of the severe weather event:

• Halifax Transit: Halifax Transit bus service and ferry service is expected to continue as usual this evening. Please monitor @hfxtransit for updates as they become available.
• Parks & Recreation: Due to safety concerns, residents are advised to avoid visiting municipal parks until the storm has passed and potential damage, including downed trees, has been addressed.
• The Halifax Public Gardens will remain closed Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, due to anticipated rain and high winds.
• All-weather fields are closed today, Nov. 22, with all bookings cancelled. This will be reassessed tomorrow morning.
• Other recreation facilities may be closed during and following the storm. Please call ahead to your individual facility before heading out.
• Solid Waste: Due to the impending storm, residents who have waste collection scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 23) are asked to not place their waste curbside until tomorrow morning to reduce blowing debris. Residents are reminded that waste collection can start as early as 7 a.m.

Support for those experiencing homelessness

The municipality is collaborating with the Province of Nova Scotia to provide temporary emergency shelters as well as comfort centres to occupants of homeless encampments in the region.

Ground Search & Rescue has been engaged to visit all locations where the municipality is aware of occupants of homeless encampments. Representatives of Ground Search & Rescue will be engaging occupants to offer transportation to an emergency shelter or comfort centre.

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. Depending on the impacts of the storm, including potential power outages, the municipality will ensure emergency shelters and comfort centres are available to support impacted individuals.

Preventing property damage

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.

Municipal crews have also been cleaning storm drains in areas that are prone to flooding. Additional crews are on standby to respond where and when required. Residents, who can do so safely, are encouraged to clear storm drains of debris to reduce the likelihood of water pooling. Also, trimming dead branches and cutting down dead trees can reduce the impact caused by high winds.

Preparedness Tips

With the potential for power outages, residents are encouraged to visit our website for a full list of preparedness tips and emergency kits.

Emergency food and water should be on hand for all family members, including pets. All 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.

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.

Safety

As a reminder, never operate a generator, BBQ or any other fuel filled item inside your home or garage.

Residents are also urged to stay away from the coastline during any severe weather event due to dangers associated with potential storm surge(s).

Stay Informed

Residents are urged 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 also call 311 for updated information on municipal services or to report issues such as flooding, downed trees or blocked roadways. For emergencies, residents should call 911.

It is recommended that those who do not need to travel this evening stay at home until the weather system has passed.

Follow @hfxgov on Twitter or visit halifax.ca/severeweather for updates and information during severe weather events.