MEDIA ADVISORY
Hurricane Juan- Recovery Update
(Saturday, October 4, 2003 - 7: 30 pm)-Mayor Peter Kelly traveled around HRM today visiting Eastern Passage and many outlying communities to check on the progress being made by Works crews in conjunction with NSPI crews. He said, "I can appreciate the deep frustration of those still without power. We are working very diligently and cooperatively alongside NSPI and the Canadian Forces crews and I can assure everyone that we will continue to do so until our entire region is restored." He added, " I must say as I travel around and see first-hand, the impact and damage that this hurricane caused last Sunday, it is without precedent in our region in terms of the severity of the impact of any hurricane or other disaster, excluding the Halifax Explosion. However we are dedicated to recovering and rebuilding and we will reach that goal."
The following is a summary of issues being dealt with on Day # 6 of the recovery and clean-up in the aftermath of Hurricane Juan.
Fallen Trees, Storm debris collection - Work crews continue to make progress working alongside NSPI crews and are now working clearing right-of-way areas and trees up against houses and entangled in power lines. Debris pick-up has been extended until Tuesday and beyond. Crews will continue to work 24 hrs./ 7 days a week to pick up debris left at the curb throughout the region.
HRM is currently coordinating an additional plan with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation for further removal of debris in outlying areas . More information on this cooperative effort will be forthcoming.
HRM residents are requested to postpone paying visits to cemeteries over the next few days, to allow work crews to clear away the fallen trees in many of our local burial grounds.
HRM Sports Fields will be closed at least until next Wednesday, October 8th. This is due to the fact all personnel are otherwise occupied loading or removing debris.
Comfort Centers- As a result of a number of areas still being without power and water, the Dept. of Community Services and the Red Cross, in partnership with HRM and the Metro Food Bank, have opened up a number of Comfort Stations throughout the region to provide hot meals and cots as needed. The Comfort Centers are located at the Harrietsfield Fire Station, Lawrencetown Community Center, Ostrea Lake Fire Station, Oyster Pond Fire Station and Bloomfield Center on 2786 Agricola Street in downtown Halifax. These Comfort Centers will continue to operate over the next few days as needed. For further information, residents may contact the HRM Call Center at 490-4000.
Those HRM residents who now have power are being encouraged to be a good neighbour or friend and check in on anyone who may still be without and in need.
Traffic Congestion- Motorists are being urged to avoid or limit their travel in the South End of Peninsular Halifax on Saturday and Sunday, particularly those streets south of Inglis Street,due to works crews being in the area.
Public Mischief- Halifax Regional Police and RCMP are still asking for parents'continued support in keeping their youths off the streets and out of mischief. Extra Police and RCMP staff have been assigned to be on duty over the weekend.
Fire Services - An updated list of Fire departments supplying water to those who do not have well access are as follows: 245 Herring Cove Rd., 45 Knightsridge Dr., Halifax;1 Metropolitan Blvd., Lr. Sackville; 1156 Sackville Dr., Lr. Sackville; 1807 Caldwell Rd., Eastern Passage; 690 Main St, Westphal; 2931 Lawrencetown Rd., Lawrencetown; 3035 # 7 Hwy, Lake Echo; 5543 Hwy # 7 Head Chezzetcook; 32 Riverside Ave., Musquodoboit Hbr; 51 Old Trunk Rd.,Oyster Pond; 2433 Lake Thomas Drive, Waverley; 2101 Prospect Rd., Hatchet Lake; 3610 Prospect Rd.,Shad Bay; 8579 St Margaret's Bay Rd., Black Point; 26 Myra Rd., Timberlea; 4408 St. Margaret's Bay Rd., Lewis Lake; 57 Ketch Harbour Rd., Herring Cove; 964 Ketch Harbour Rd., Ketch Harbour; 1070 Old Sambro Rd, Harrietsfield and Sambro Elementary School. Residents are reminded this water is not for the purpose of drinking water.
HRM Call Center- Due to a significant drop in the volume of calls now being received after the hurricane, the HRM Call Center hours have been decreased from 24 hrs- a- day to18 hrs.- a- day, open from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight at 490-4000.
School Board- For specific details on school openings for Monday, please check the Halifax Regional School Board Web site at www.hrsp.ns.ca or call the School Board Information Line at 464-2000. It will be continuously updated over the weekend..
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Contact: Lori Patterson
Acting Corporate Communications Officer
Tel: (902) 490-6531
(902) 476-5975
E-mail:patterl@region.halifax.ns.ca
