PC Caucus News

Monday, November 8, 2010

Road Closures

Yarmouth County/Annapolis County/Digby County

The following roads are closed because of flooding or storm damage. Motorists should use alternate routes and adjust speed where hydroplaning and flooding may occur.

Yarmouth County:
-- Tinkham Road
-- Regent Street
-- Holley Road
-- Spinney Road
-- Minor Road
-- Depot Road
-- North Kempt Road
-- Hardwood Hills Road
-- Chemin de la Pre

Annapolis County:
-- West Dalhousie Road

Digby County:
-- Morganville Road
-- River Road
-- Weymouth Falls Branch

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Sunday, November 7, 2010

Flooding Part 2

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE--Flood and Well Water Precautions
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The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is reminding Nova Scotians that flooding can occur at any time after heavy rainfalls. 

According to Environment Canada, the Yarmouth area received about 174 millimetres of rain as of 8 a.m., today, Nov. 7, and other areas of the mainland received more than 100 millimetres of rain. Another 30 to 60 millimetres of rainfall are expected over mainland Nova Scotia today. 

The Emergency Management Office (EMO) has activated its Joint Emergency Operations Centre and continues to monitor the storm. 

Emergency management planning officers are reporting that various areas of mainland Nova Scotia are experiencing some localized flooding and that many of the rivers and streams are now full. There is concern that the waterways are reaching capacity and the predicted additional rainfall may cause more localized flooding.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to protect their property and prepare for flooding in their areas by moving furniture and personal property away from possible flood water and to secure property that might be swept away or damaged by a flood.

Residents are also encouraged to ensure they have access to drinking water in case their regular supply is unavailable or becomes contaminated.

In the event of a flood:
-- Listen to the radio. Local authorities will issue instructions for those living in the affected areas.
-- Know how to turn off water, gas and electricity in case instructed to by local officials. If the main power box is not in a dry, safe area, do not try to turn off the electricity. Contact Nova Scotia Power at 902-428-6004 or 1-877-428-6004 for instructions.
-- Do not use well water for drinking, cooking or bathing until the water has been tested and it has been declared safe to use. Bacterial testing should be done by all well owners. Contact local environment offices at 1-877-936-8476 with questions about safe drinking water.

After a flood, the two most important concerns are safety and sanitation. Here are guidelines to help with a safe return home:
-- Listen to the radio for instructions. Local municipal offices will let people know when it is safe to return to home.
-- Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Right after a storm, floodwaters are at their most dangerous. It only takes six inches of rapidly moving water to knock people off their feet.
-- Do not reconnect gas, pump or electrical supplies. Arrange for qualified personnel to inspect and connect these services.
-- Leave and contact the gas company immediately if gas is smelled.
-- Check carefully for signs of damage, broken glass and other debris.

Some items must be discarded after a flood. Items such as mattresses, pillows, sofas and upholstered furniture that have been soaked with flood water are no longer safe from harmful bacteria.

Any food that has come in contact with flood water must also be discarded. This includes fresh or frozen food, food in boxes or jars, all bottled drinks and any cans that show signs of damage.

In the event of power outages, officials from the Department of Agriculture suggest consumers be careful about foods in refrigerators or deep freeze units. Foods will generally stay safe in a refrigerator for several hours even without power, especially if the door is kept closed.

They offer the following food safety tips: 
--  Perishable food that has reached room temperature for more than two hours must be discarded. Also discard any food that feels warm or has an unusual odour or colour.
--  Any food in a deep freeze that is fully stocked is good for two days from the time of power failure. 
--  Any food in a half-filled deep freeze is safe to eat for one day from the time of power failure.
--  Food retail outlets are advised to keep food below 4 C (40 F). Any perishable food left above this temperature for more than two hours should be discarded immediately.

If there is major flooding, the province may offer a disaster financial assistance program. Recording damages will help when a claim is filed. Make a list and include photographs of all damages and items that had to be disposed of after the flood. Keep a record of flood-related activity, such as the amount of time spent cleaning and keep copies of all invoices and receipts.

For more information on preparing for a flood, visit EMO's website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .  

For more information on well water safety, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/water/privatewells.asp .  

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Media Contact: Media Line
             Emergency Management Office
             902-424-0967

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Flooding in Yarmouth County


Good morning,

EMO is in close contant with municipal emergency management coordinators in Argyle and Yarmouth as well as Nova Scotia Power.

NSP staff are monitoring the dam at Carleton and have been doing so throughout the night. There were concerns that the earthen dam that was built as work took place on the proper dam might not hold. However, the dam has not been breached.

Seven local residents that could have been affected if the dam breached were alerted by local emergency staff in the night. They choose to remain in their homes. If the status of the dam changes (it is being constantly monitored by a NSP construction crew), plans are in place to quickly inform residents in advance.

There was some flooding of roads in the area overnight, but storm drains have been cleared and the water has subsided. TIR reports that some local roads are now closed due to flooding. All have alternate routes.

EMO continues to monitor the situation.

No requests for assistance from EMO have been received from Argyle or Yarmouth, although we are in close contact with emergency managment coordinators for both municipalities.


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