Survey Says: Safe

Most Nova Scotians are satisfied with the provincial highways system, according to the 2008 Highway Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey says 76 per cent of Nova Scotians feel safe driving and 65 per cent feel safe walking in their communities. Overall satisfaction with the highway system remains relatively consistent at 61 per cent. Cellphone use while driving was the top issue among respondents, followed closely by speeding and distracted drivers. This fiscal year, the department has dedicated More than 530 million dollars to highway spending, an almost 87-million-dollars more than last year. The 2008 Overall Highlights Report is available on the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/publications/ . The 2009 survey has begun.

Clocks Change

Nova Scotians will experience brighter mornings beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, when daylight saving time ends. People are reminded to set their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m., or Saturday evening before going to bed. Three years ago, Nova Scotia extended daylight saving time to mirror changes made in the United States. Daylight saving time now begins three weeks earlier in the spring and lasts one week longer in the fall. Along with watches and clocks, don't forget to set microwave ovens, VCR and DVD players, answering machines, car clocks and automatic timer lights. It is also a reminder to change the batteries in smoke detectors. Smoke alarms should be fully replaced every ten years. People are advised to check computer calendars to ensure appointments are up to date when the time change takes effect.

Old Falls Road Traffic

Region of Queens Municipal Council has decided to take not further action in relation to traffic issues on Old Falls Road. Mayor John Leefe says there are presently 10 homes on the road and five children living on the street. A request for children playing signage was turned down. Leefe says in the meantime the speed zone signs will remain as they are at 30 km/h. although they have no legal effect.

School Bus Safety

Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm. This is School bus safety week and a Halifax-based group is launching an awareness campaign in Bridgewater. Members of Safety Services Nova Scotia are at the South Shore Regional School Board bus garage on St. Phillips Street. This hour, they are doing a tour of the garage where they are explaining the twice-a-year inspection process. Then a police checkpoint will be set up to hand out safety information to drivers. They will be handed a card that explains the penalties for passing a school bus. For information on school bus safety or the school bus campaign, see http://www.schoolbussafety.ca/. For more information regarding Safety Services Nova Scotia, visit thier website at http://www.safetyservicesns.ca/.

Dog Attack

No sign overnight of a dog Bridgewater police say they had to shoot because they were worried it would attack residents. The incident started around seven last night when police were called to Olympiad Avenue. The white Husky had attacked a fawn and was starting to eat it. It was still attacking the animal as police arrived and an officer shot it over concerns it might attack another animal or even some of the people in the residential neighbourhood. The dog laboured into a wooded area behind Dakin's old store on Exhibition drive but they weren't able to find it. Police are telling people to be carefull in case it is still alive and they are also hoping to hear from anyone who knows who owns the dog.

Hurricane Preparedness

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE--Preparing for Hurricane Season as Hurricane Bill Gains Strength
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The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is advising the public to take necessary precautions as Hurricane Bill gains strength in the southern Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometres off St. Martin in the Caribbean as of 1:30 p.m. today, Aug. 20.
"Environment Canada indicates that this storm will maintain its hurricane status as it heads north," Ramona Jennex, Emergency Management Minister, said. "While we know that hurricanes are unpredictable, this is an opportunity to remind all Nova Scotians that the best way to keep our families safe is to be prepared."
EMO is monitoring the storm closely to ensure the most current information is available to the public.
"The most important things individuals can do is keep informed by listening for updated weather information and public safety bulletins and act accordingly," said Dennis Kelly, acting deputy head and CEO of the Emergency Management Office.
Other ways to prepare for a weather-related emergency are:
-- Maintain an emergency kit, including food water, clothing, blankets, a flashlight, battery or crank-powered radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra prescription medications and copies of important papers
-- Have cash on hand in case of a prolonged power outage.
-- Prepare freezer packs by placing water-filled soda or plastic milk containers in deep freezers. These can be used to help keep the freezer and/or refrigerator cold in the event of a power outage.
-- Choose a family shelter area away from windows. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide a good shelter in a severe storm.
-- Choose a meeting place for family members and set up some form of communication to notify each other of whereabouts and safety.
-- Make arrangements to help a senior or other people in the neighbourhood that may need help.
-- Secure objects that could be torn loose or blown around. Protect homes as much as possible from heavy rains and floods.
-- Refrain from going to coastal areas to watch a severe storm. It can be very dangerous.
Visit the EMO website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/emo for more information on emergency preparedness.

Rifle Arrest

A few tense moments Friday evening ended with RCMP arresting a 23-year old Shelburne county man who is still in jail. Around 6:15, police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a man walking along McGray's Avenue in Northeast Point with a rifle. As they were responding, they were told the man had fired several shots. When the members from Barrington and Shelburne detachments showed up, the man turned and ran away from police, throwing the rifle to the ground. Police chased him down and arrested him. He's been held in custody all weekend and will be brought to court sometime today. The Mounties say they are following up on reports of threats, pointing a firearm and break and enter. A woman who was taken into custody at a nearby residence was later released. No one was injured in the incident.

Slowing Mahone Bay

2009-05-27 06:27:40

The Town of Mahone Bay will launch the Pace Car program  this Saturday, joining 18 other Nova Scotian communities already implementing the anti-speeding initiative. Residents pledge to become mobile speed bumps and display the Pace Car emblems on their vehicles, helping to slow traffic in their community.  The program launch will include an opportunity for residents to sign up for the program, the Mahone Bay and Area Lions Club will be hosting a Bicycle Rodeo and local RCMP members are organizing a guided youth hike during the day.The event is set for 9:30 to noon this Saturday, May 30th at the Mahone Bay Legion Hall, 21 Pond Street.   The Pace Car Program is a partnership of the Ecology Action Centre, Canada's home, car and business insurers and the NS Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

Mourning Day

2009-04-28 08:53:56

The South Shore Labour Council will hold a candlelight vigil this evening at the Kinsmen Hall, 1153 King Street to mark the 25th anniversary of the Day of Mourning.  A ceremony is being held at Province House to remember, pay tribute to and mourn for the 29 Nova Scotian workers who lost their lives in 2008, the highest number since the Westray disaster. 
Tonight's vigil in Bridgewater gets underway at 7 o'clock.