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Emergency Preparedness Guide for South Shore NS Homeowners (2025)

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Emergency Preparedness Guide for South Shore NS Homeowners (2025)

As a homeowner in South Shore, Nova Scotia, you know that life near the coast brings beauty, community, and—at times—extreme weather. Whether it's hurricane-force winds, sudden flooding, power outages, or wildfires, being prepared for an emergency isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare your home and your family for emergencies, with a focus on the most common risks we face here in South Shore NS. As a local realtor and community member, I’ve seen how preparation can make all the difference—not just in protecting your property, but in giving you peace of mind.

🌀 Why Emergency Preparedness Matters in South Shore NS

South Shore is no stranger to severe weather. Over the last few years, Nova Scotians have faced increasingly frequent storms, prolonged power outages, and even wildfire evacuations. The effects of climate change are being felt in our coastal communities, and being proactive is key.

Common emergency risks in South Shore include:

  • Hurricanes and tropical storms (especially between June and November)

  • Coastal flooding and storm surges

  • Heavy snowstorms and freezing rain in winter

  • Prolonged power outages

  • Wildfires in wooded or rural areas

Emergency services and insurance companies strongly recommend that every household in the region have a preparedness plan and emergency kit ready year-round.

Step 1: Know the Local Risks to Your Home

Your location matters. A home in Lunenburg will face different risks than one in Liverpool or a more inland rural property.

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Is your property near the coast or a river?

  • Do you live in a wooded area prone to wildfires?

  • Is your home elevated, or could it be affected by storm surge?

  • Is your basement at risk of flooding?

  • How vulnerable is your electrical system during an outage?

Knowing your property’s vulnerabilities will help you plan better—and it might even help you avoid future damage.

Step 2: Create a Family Emergency Plan

If disaster strikes, will your family know what to do?

Creating an emergency plan means establishing:

✅ Communication Plan

  • If cell networks are down, how will you reach each other?

  • Choose an out-of-town contact everyone can reach.

✅ Evacuation Plan

  • Know your community’s evacuation routes.

  • Have a backup location to stay (friend, family, or hotel).

  • Don’t forget to include pets in your plan.

✅ Meeting Point

  • Choose a nearby location where your family can reunite if separated.

Print your plan and keep it in your emergency kit. Share it with all household members.

Step 3: Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

You should be able to live self-sufficiently for at least three days without power or outside assistance. Here’s what your kit should include:

🔋 Essentials

  • Drinking water (4L per person per day)

  • Non-perishable food

  • Manual can opener

  • Flashlights and batteries

  • First-aid kit

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

  • Cell phone power bank

  • Whistle (to signal for help)

🧼 Personal & Medical

  • Prescription medications

  • Toiletries and sanitation items

  • Extra glasses or contact lenses

  • Infant formula and diapers (if needed)

🌡️ Seasonal & Local Needs

  • Warm blankets, gloves, toques (for winter)

  • Insect repellent and sunscreen (for summer)

  • Generator (for extended outages)

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Copies of important documents (insurance, ID, deeds)

Keep your kit in a waterproof container and store it where it’s easy to grab in a hurry.

Step 4: Protect Your Property Before Disaster Strikes

Being proactive can prevent thousands of dollars in damage—and a lot of stress.

🏡 Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Secure outdoor items: Patio furniture, BBQs, planters can become airborne.

  • Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and flooding.

  • Trim tree branches that could fall on your roof or power lines.

  • Seal windows and doors to keep water and wind out.

  • Inspect your roof and siding annually for weak spots.

💼 Insurance & Documentation

  • Review your home insurance policy—does it cover flooding? Wind damage? Sewer backup?

  • Take photos or videos of each room in your home as documentation.

  • Store deeds, policies, and emergency contacts in a fireproof, waterproof case or upload them to the cloud.

Step 5: Stay Informed Before and During Emergencies

Being informed gives you time to react safely. Use trusted sources for updates:

📱 Sign up for Alerts:

🔊 Know When to Evacuate:

  • Listen to local authorities.

  • Leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued.

  • Don’t return until it’s declared safe.

Local Resources for South Shore Residents

Here are some links that can help you prepare:

Final Thoughts from Ryan Cook a local realtor

Emergency preparedness might not be the most exciting part of homeownership—but it’s one of the most important. As a realtor who lives and works in South Shore Nova Scotia, I want every homeowner to feel safe, informed, and ready for whatever comes.

If you're looking for properties that offer extra protection—like elevated lots, backup power, or newer builds with better storm resistance—I can help you find them.

Stay safe, and stay prepared!

— Ryan Cook Sales Representative, Exit Realty Inter Lake