Media Room

NEWS RELEASE

H.R.M. Declares Local State of Emergency

(Sunday, September 28, 2003, 9:00pm) As Hurricane Juan continues to approach, Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly has declared a State of Local Emergency, effective immediately, under the advice of the Provincial and Municipal Emergency Measures Officials. This will enable public safety officers of the municipality to enforce evacuation and the implementation of safe conditions as the need arises.

Residents in the low-lying coastal areas within six vertical feet of the high water mark are required to leave their homes immediately, particularly those between the Sambro and Clam Harbour areas. The storm surge is expected to be 5 feet above normal high tide levels. Residents needing accommodation and assistance in the rural areas between Sambro and Clam Harbour should go to their local fire halls if no alternatives for shelter such as friends, relatives or motels are available. Rural Fire Halls to be opened include Lakeside, Black Point,Chezzetcook, Herring Cove, Hammonds Plains, Seabright, Terrance Bay and Musquodoboit Harbour.

Residents in the urban and suburban areas should be aware that this includes waterfront and harbourfront properties. Those in need of accommodation and assistance in these areas should go to the following locations:
Findlay Community Centre- 5 Elliot Street, Dartmouth
LeBrun Centre, - 36 Holland Road, Bedford
Bloomfield Centre- 2786 Agricola Street, Halifax
Chocolate Lake Community Centre- 14 Purcell's Cove Rd.

Based on best estimates of the hurricane's approach, residents are strongly urged to secure their properties and relocate before 11:30 pm.

Please stay tuned to your local media outlets for further updates. For more information please contact the HRM Customer Call Centre at 490-4000 or Toll Free: 1 (800) 835-6428 or check the HRM Website at www.halifax.ca

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