Health office working with NSP as Hurricane Teddy eyes N.S.

The Laker News logo as created by Liane Rogers. (Healey photo)

HALIFAX: With Hurricane Teddy eyeing a strike to N.S. according to forecast tracking on Sept. 18, the province is working with N.S. Power in case outside help is required for repairs to power lines across the province.

In a post on his Facebook, PC MLA for Sackville-Beaver Bank, Brad Johns commented about how COVID19 and the restrictions in place may impact help coming in.

“Normally when a major storm hits Nova Scotia and there are significant power interruptions, NSP draws on other contractors and nearby power companies to help out,” said the post by Johns. “In the past contractors from NB, Maine (New England) and even Ontario have come to NS and help get the power operational.

“This season may be significantly different because of Covid 19 and the restrictions in place.”

So what could be a day or two power outage, may now take longer if a storm such as Teddy is bad.

“Residents may want to ensure they have a supplies (Food, water batteries etc.) to be able to last at least seven days of no power,” added Johns.

The Laker News inquired with the province about this exact thing. A spokesperson from the province’s COVID media team answered the inquiry.

“The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is actively working with NSP to ensure that critical workers from outside of Atlantic Canada will be able to respond quickly to help restore power in Nova Scotia if needed,” read the response, “while ensuring that strict public health measures are in place to protect Nova Scotians.”