Prepare for High Winds Expected From Hurricane Earl

As Hurricane Earl continues towards Nova Scotia, Emergency Management Office officials are urging Nova Scotians to prepare for high winds generated by the storm.

Winds could be as high as 130 kilometres an hour in Southwestern Nova Scotia and 90 kilometres an hour elsewhere. There will also be heavy rain.

Hurricane Earl's impact will likely be felt in the province, beginning this evening, Sept. 3, and continue through the weekend.

Hurricane watches are in effect for Digby, Halifax, Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties. Tropical storm watches have been issued for the rest of the province.

"Hurricane Earl continues to be a very powerful storm as it nears our province," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Emergency Management. "It's imperative that people are prepared, especially for the high winds that are expected."

Nova Scotians can prepare for high winds by:

• securing gates, doors and windows
• securing property and things that could become a projectile in high winds. For example, move lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything that can be picked up by wind
• trimming dead or diseased branches from trees to help make them more wind resistant, or remove dead trees entirely
• securing propane tanks outdoors to the most stable portion of balconies using bungee cords or rope. Refer to the government of Nova Scotia website found at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/fuelsafety/fsbpropanedanger.asp to review the specific concerns around safe storage of propane tanks
• parking car away from trees
• keeping pets indoors
• staying away from the ocean to watch the storm. Most people who are killed during hurricanes are caught in large waves, storm surges or flood waters.
• leaving livestock unsheltered if you live on a farm. During Hurricane Andrew, some horses left outside suffered less injury then those placed in shelters. This was because some shelters selected did not withstand the high winds.
• remembering that, as the eye of the hurricane passes over, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from two or three minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs only. Once the eye has passed, the winds will return from the opposite direction, possibly with greater force.

Some bridges across the region, such as Halifax harbour bridges and Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island, may have vehicle restrictions or be closed because of wind speeds. Check before travelling.

Visit the EMO website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo for more emergency preparedness information.