News release

Resolve to Get Ready for Winter

Emergency Management Office
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

NOTE: The Get Ready for Winter - Take the Challenge, 10 tips to keep your family safer this winter, is available at emo.gov.ns.ca/content/take-ten-tip-challenge .


Winter has arrived, and the Emergency Management Office and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal are reminding Nova Scotians that now is the time to prepare your family for winter storms and challenging driving conditions.

"Severe winter weather can strike without notice. That is why it is critical that all Nova Scotians are ready," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Emergency Management. "As the new year approaches, I encourage all families to make a resolution to be better prepared to deal with the dangers that winter weather and other emergencies can bring."

Blizzards and winter storms can bring bitter cold, high winds, heavy snowfall, freezing rain, poor visibility and slippery roads. They may last for a few hours or several days.

An emergency kit at home and in the car will help ensure that Nova Scotia families are ready for whatever winter has in store. Emergency kits should include items needed for people to be self-sufficient for up to 72-hours after a storm, including extra water and food, a radio and a flashlight powered by batteries or crank.

Nova Scotians should ensure their civic address is easily visible to first responders, and stock up on supplies including road salt or sand, a snow shovel and other snow removal equipment, and enough clothing and blankets to keep everyone warm.

When travelling, winter weather conditions can make driving difficult. Drivers should monitor local weather forecasts for road conditions, and exercise caution at all times.

"If conditions are not good, the decision to stay home until they improve is the safest choice," added Ms. Jennex.

More information on preparing an emergency kit for homes or vehicles is available on the Emergency Management Office website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo . More information and tips on winter driving are available at www.gov.ns.ca/Tran .

Information on road conditions is available by dialing 511 for provincial highway conditions, or 1-888-432-3233 for local road information.