**** Halifax Water Release
Halifax Water – Preparing Our Customers & Infrastructure for Extreme Weather
Halifax Water will continue working closely with the city and the proviHnce throughout the extreme weather event forecasted for Wednesday, January 10.
Teams have been preparing for this weather, inspecting stormwater infrastructure to ensure it is operating at full capacity and mitigating areas of risk. This includes ensuring that equipment and supplies are readily available so crews can respond to storm-related issues.
To help customers and property owners prepare for extreme rain/weather events, Halifax Water has developed some helpful information at https://halifaxwater.ca/notice/preparing-extreme-weather-event
Severe weather can have a significant impact on property. We encourage property owners and residents to be prepared and do their utmost to protect their property during extreme rain events. In advance of severe storms, all customers are encouraged to set aside a 72-hour supply of drinking water for each person in the household.
If residents experience flooding or other storm-related issues impacting Halifax Water services, they should report them to our Customer Care Centre 24/7 Emergency Line at 902-420-9287.
For more information on Halifax Water, please check www.halifaxwater.ca, visit us on YouTube, or Twitter @HalifaxWater, Facebook, or call our Customer Care Centre at 902-420-9287.
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**** NSP Release
Latest Storm Prompts Activation of Nova Scotia Power’s Emergency Operations Centre
Nova Scotia Power will open its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Wednesday morning (January 10) at 8am ahead of the latest windstorm expected to hit the province.
“Our team has been monitoring the weather forecasts over the last several days. In light of the high winds expected to reach 90-100+ km an hour across the province, we will be activating our Emergency Operation Centre,” said Matt Drover, Nova Scotia Power’s Storm Lead. “This will ensure we are best coordinating our storm response, so we’re ready to respond to any impact that comes as a result of those high winds,” said Drover. Crews are getting ready and will be positioned across the province ahead of the storm. Nova Scotia Power will be working closely with the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office as well.
“The storm is anticipated to be similar to other windstorms that impacted the province in December, and the strength of these winds is expected to impact the electricity grid as well,” said Drover. “The number one cause of power outages during storms is trees coming into contact with power lines. Our crews are prepared to safely respond to this type of damage as quickly as possible,” said Drover.
Trees coming into contact with power lines is the number one cause of outages during storms. That’s why Nova
Scotia Power has been increasing its investment in tree trimming. In 2023, $32 million was invested in trimming, cutting and removing trees and widening rights of ways. That was up $7 million from the year before. This year, nearly $45 million will be invested in this work.
Outage Information
Customers can report outages and get estimated restoration times online at outagemap.nspower.ca or by calling 1-877-428-6004. As crews are able to assess the extent of damage or impacts to equipment, estimated restoration
times may be updated.
Restoration Phases
For more info visit: http://nspower.ca/storm
Safety and storm preparedness tips can be found on our website: www.nspower.ca/stormready
QUICK FACTS:
• Along with tree trimming, NS Power has been doing other proactive upgrades and maintenance throughout
the year including replacing poles with stronger more resilient ones. This helps prepare the system for high
winds and extreme weather like this.
• The average number of hours of wind gusts over 80km an hour in the last five years is up 54% from the five years before that.
• High winds can cause damage by bringing trees and branches into contact with power lines, causing outages.
• If a customer’s electrical equipment is damaged – such as a meter mast – they’ll need a certified electrician to make repairs before NS Power can safely restore power.
• You can find more on our Vegetation Management program here: nspower.ca/trees
