PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Snow Storm Update #3 - November 14, 2004
(Sunday, November 14/04
21:00 P,M,)-- Emergency Measure Organization (EMO) officials expect
that most major streets and roads in Halifax Regional Municipality
will be passable and open to traffic again by morning.
Snow and ice crews are continuing clean-up operations, following
an early winter storm which has virtually paralysed many communities
throughout the region.
There continues to be widespread power outages throughout HRM and
in many other areas of Nova Scotia, and many residents have been
without electricity since early Sunday morning. HRM has been advised
by Nova Scotia Power that it may be several days before electricity
is restored to
all areas affected.
One of the areas most affected by the power outages is North Dartmouth.
As a result, beginning at 9:30 p.m. tonight, HRM will open “comfort
centre” at Number 12 fire station, 45 Highfield Park Drive.
It’s a short-term visit centre for area residents who may
want to warm themselves and enjoy a hot drink. The centre, which
will be staffed by volunteers from the Canadian Red Cross, cannot
offer overnight accommodation.
HRM is urging residents to offer a helping hand to neighbours who
may need assistance, particularly seniors. Those without electricity
are urged to seek alternate accommodation, if possible, with family
or friends.
For the latest update on when power is expected to be restored in
the various areas, media outlets are requested to contact Nova Scotia
Power.
Fire hazards/Safety- Due to the power outages in many areas, Halifax
Regional Fire and Emergency advise residents to exercise extreme
caution if forced to use candles for light and fireplaces/heaters
as a source of warmth. Candles should be kept safely away from children
and residents are advised to ensure there is proper ventilation
if they are using fireplaces/heaters at all times.
Burnside Industrial Park- Burnside Park is expected to be plowed
and cleared overnight. The Park has been closed to traffic all day
Sunday as Nova Scotia Power crews cleared and removed downed lines.
Electricity may not be restored to Burnside by morning, so it will
be up individual businesses to decide whether or not to re-open
on Monday.
Downed Power Lines- HRP and RCMP caution members of the public to
exercise extreme caution if power lines are downed in their neighbourhood.
Residents are urged to contact Nova Scotia Power as quickly as possible
to report downed lines.
Traffic- Halifax Regional Police and RCMP advise motorists to expect
delays in the Monday morning drive period. Snow and ice crews are
continuing to focus on keeping major arteries, transit routes and
hospital routes open. All residential streets may not be cleared
for a day or two.
Transit/Ferry Service- Transit users are advised to expect delays
in the morning. Some of the buses that normally travel to Burnside
may have to be directed because of downed power lines. Other routes
may also be affected because of snow and ice conditions.
Solid Waste Collection- Residents are advised to expect delays for
regular compost and waste material collections on Monday. The Otter
Lake facility was closed Sunday due to the power outage, but officials
are hoping it will be operational in the morning.
-30-
John O’Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 476-3802
