Nova Scotians Monitor Ophelia

Hurricane Ophelia is expected to lose power today, Sept. 15, as it turns away from the North Carolina coastline, but officials at Nova Scotia's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) say Nova Scotians should continue to listen for weather updates as the storm continues to track towards our region.

Forecasters say the hurricane will probably be downgraded to a tropical storm once it turns back toward the ocean today but that gusty winds are likely to occur along with heavy rains when the storm approaches Nova Scotia Saturday, Sept. 17.

"Hurricanes are unpredictable, especially once they hit the cold water of the North Atlantic. As we learned first-hand with Hurricane Juan, it is important to be prepared for anything that Mother Nature might send our way," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "The best way to keep our families safe is to be prepared and to listen to weather updates as the weekend nears."

EMO is also monitoring the situation to ensure the most current information is available to the public.

"One of the most important things individuals can do is listen for updated weather information or public safety bulletins and act accordingly," said Craig MacLaughlan, executive director of EMO.

Mr. MacLaughlan said Nova Scotians can prepare their homes and families for any weather-related emergency by following several basic steps:

• Prepare your home and property. Trim dead or diseased branches from trees, secure objects that could be torn loose or blown around, move furniture and personal property away from possible flood water and protect your home as much as possible from heavy rains.
• Choose a shelter area away from windows for you and your family. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide safe shelter in a severe storm.
• Maintain an emergency kit that includes food, a supply of water, clothing, blankets, medication, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, cash and a first aid kit.
• Make advanced arrangements to help a senior or other person in your neighbourhood who may need added assistance.
• Choose a meeting place for you and your family and set up some way to notify each other of whereabouts and safety should you be separated.

Mr. MacLaughlan said it is important, too, that Nova Scotians stay away from coastal areas during severe weather.

"Storm surges sometimes accompany intense storms," said Mr. MacLaughlan. "Sudden changes in water levels can affect areas that may have seemed perfectly safe moments earlier. Standing on the coastline during a severe storm is not entertaining, it's dangerous."

For more advice on how to prepare for weather-related emergencies Nova Scotians can see the EMO website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .