Emergency preparedness

While living on ��tv campus, there may be instances where extreme weather or other circumstances cause an emergency. Here’s how to prepare.

Weather and storms

Nova Scotia is no stranger to storms. Every year, we experience a variety of strong weather events – from hurricanes to blizzards. While it’s not something to be alarmed about, it is important to be prepared.��

Hurricane season typically takes place in September and October, while the majority of snow is from January to March, with the occasional early storm.

Broken trees from Hurricane Earl in 2010 on Coburg Road near ��tv campus. Photo by Glenn Euloth

What to expect

In addition to precipitation and wind, here's what you can expect during extreme weather:

Power outages - Strong winds can bring down trees or heavy branches onto power lines. We recommend keeping a flashlight on hand for your own use.
- Halifax: Fortunately, most residences are on a generator, so even if the power goes out in your area, your residence will have power. The exceptions are Glengary Apartments and Grad House.��
- Truro: In the event of a power outage, students will be able to access Jenkins Hall outside meal hours for studying until 6 p.m.��
Suspension or reduction of public transit (Halifax) – Bus and ferry services in Halifax may be slow or suspended. We recommend following or their to keep up to date on scheduling or route changes.
Change in dining location – On the Halifax campus, for residents of Risley Hall, LeMarchant Place, Glengary Apartments, and Grad House, if Health and Safety determines that the safety of walking to Howe Dining Hall is impacted by severe weather, we will change the dining location to Risley Dining Hall. Service will be take-out only if this change is made (no dine-in service at Risley Dining Hall). If this change is made, we will inform you via email and on our ��Ի��.��

Reduced menu options – We may experience staffing shortages as a result of the storm or the location of dining may change for some buildings. If that happens, we may have to modify our usual menu offerings. On the Halifax campus, if you have dietary restrictions beyond vegan, Halal, or no gluten, contact Liz Muggah, Registered Dietitian with ��tv Food Services at dietitian@dal.ca so that special accommodations can be made during a limited menu.

How to prepare

To protect yourself and your property, please do the following:

Close and lock your windows – Keep the water out by closing your window and lock them. (High winds can force even a closed window to open.) And for your added safety, pull your curtains over the windows.

If you must go out, check the weather – We recommend you stay in during the storm. High winds can knock down trees, branches, and even store signs. You don’t want to get hit by these, or other flying debris. However, if you must go out, please be sure to check the weather forecast. Don’t get caught out in the storm as it may be hard to get back.��

Don’t light candles – Candles, incense and open flames pose a serious fire hazard and are not permitted in residence at any time.��

Protect your valuables – Move your computer and anything of value off the floor and away from your window.

Charge up - Charge your devices before the storm makes landfall. You can then use your phone as a flashlight if needed.��

Be DalSafe - Download the DalSafe App. It will send you Campus Alerts to your phone and is the best way to keep informed of building closures and other hazards.

Insurance

One final reminder: As noted in your Residence Agreement, the university is not liable for the loss, damage, or theft of personal possessions. We strongly recommend that you carry adequate personal insurance coverage. Your parents' home policy may cover you. Be sure to check with them.��