Progress Begins in Southwestern Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians in rain-soaked areas of the southwestern part of the province are seeing more stability and some progress today, Nov. 11.

Water levels have receded on most rivers and lakes, and Nova Scotia Power reports that the pressure on Vaughn Lake Dam, also called the Tusket Falls Main Dam, has been reduced. The water at the dam fell by about 25 centimetres (10 inches) overnight to eight metres (26 feet). Nova Scotia Power officials will inspect it today and will gradually reduce the flow through the gates. They will also inspect the Carleton Dam where water levels have also moderated.

The local state of emergency has been lifted in Quinan in Argyle. Environment Canada forecasts no rain for the remainder of this week and on the weekend.

"Everyone is relieved that the situation in southwestern Nova Scotia is beginning to improve," said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Emergency Management. "Residents, first responders, local leaders, emergency managers and private partners have worked hard to keep their communities safe. They have shown tremendous community spirit over the last few days."

Four families near the Carleton Dam returned to their homes Wednesday, Nov. 10, after a four day absence. It is expected that about 30 more families from Quinan will return to their homes today. Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal workers will build a walkway today to enable pedestrian traffic in and out of Quinan. Local businesses are offering shuttle bus services to take people to Yarmouth for supplies.

About 20 families from the Raynardton area below the Tusket dam remain out of their homes. All dams continue to be monitored closely, while water levels remain high. Areas of Barrington and Yarmouth remain under a local state of emergency.

Premier Darrell Dexter toured the area by helicopter Wednesday, Nov. 10, and indicated that the province will be seeking federal aid.

The Department of Agriculture continues to monitor affected farms along the Annapolis River and the St. Mary's River and in Quinan.

Nova Scotians are asked for patience as road and bridge closures continue until flood waters recede and they are inspected by an engineer for safety.

Closed bridges that have displaced residents will be inspected first. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is bringing in additional bridge inspectors and staff from around the province to complete inspections and reduce the inconvenience to residents as quickly as possible. Motorists should continue to use caution and watch for closed roads and water on roads.

As residents in southwestern Nova Scotia begin to return to their homes, the Emergency Management Office reminds homeowners to make safety the first priority. Check carefully for signs of damage, broken glass and other debris and ensure local officials have deemed the property safe before returning.

Homeowners and residents are asked to keep the following information in mind:

• Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Find out if your policy includes clean-up costs and if the insurance company will arrange for a contractor to do the clean up. The province may offer a disaster financial assistance program. Recording damages will also help when a claim is filed. Make a list and include photographs or videotape 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.

• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse/breaker panels until they have been checked by your local utility. 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.

• Set up a step-by-step action plan to:

• remove all water, mud and other debris

• dispose of contaminated household goods

• rinse away contamination inside the home and remove the rinse water

• clean and dry out your house and salvageable possessions as quickly as possible

• Be prepared to make difficult decisions about what to keep and what to throw out. Household items that have been contaminated by sewage, or that have been wet for a long time, will have to be bagged, tagged and discarded according to local regulations. 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.

• It is recommended that homeowners with private wells for drinking water test their water. As a precaution, individuals should boil their water for three minutes. Test kits are available at the Department of Environment district offices. The department is working with municipalities to have test kits available through municipal offices.

• Once the water recedes, homeowners are encouraged to check their on-site septic systems. Anyone who finds that their system is not working, should contact the local Environment office.

• Homeowners should check their oil tanks to ensure they are still secure and haven't lost any oil. If there are concerns, homeowners should contact their insurer and the local Environment office.

• Anyone who is in need of financial assistance to meet basic needs can apply for Income Assistance by contacting the local office of the Department of Community Services. All requests are assessed on an individual basis to determine need. In the event that a person is not eligible, staff can advise of other community supports that may be able to help.

For more detailed information on flood clean up and safety visit www.gov.ns.ca/emo .