Nova Scotia Wildfire Resources 2023
Nova Scotia Wildfire Resources 2023
From FBA Member Newsletter, June 14, 2023
Mark Peapell, FBA President
Summer is almost here, and the environment is hot and getting hotter. The business environment and our physical environment have all presented challenges to most organizations in some small or significant way The wildfires have certainly affected businesses, large and small, and have displaced so many families. This has affected many of our members, either directly or indirectly, and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts. There are so many organizations and charities working hard to support those who have lost their homes, their cherished pets, and possessions. We have been collecting details of resources that are available to those who have been affected and will be uploading these important contacts to our website for your easy reference. In the meantime, we have listed some content below that we hope will help ease some of the burden. If you are an FBA member and would like to reach out to us with a need, please let us know. We are your family business community, and we are here to assist in any way we can.
MUNICIPAL UPDATES AND RESOURCES
- As of today, June 14th, the fire ban has been lifted. In Halifax County, burning is now allowed between 2:00pm and 8:00am the following day. Restriction levels may vary depending which area of Nova Scotia you reside in, and updates are provided on the provincial website every day at 2:00pm.
- Residents are reminded that the use of all off-highway vehicles is banned within the limits of the HRM while the State of Local Emergency is in effect.
- Work together, be fire smart and safe
- Take care disposing any smoking materials
- Watch our for fires and report them immediately
- Do not use drones around affected areas as they can interfere with suppression efforts and pose a danger to first responders.
- Do not return to evacuated areas. If you need prescriptions or medications, please contact your local pharmacy.
- Any Updates from Municipality can be found at Halifax.ca
- Residents required to evacuate must register with 311 – online form here or call 1-800-835-6428
FINANCIAL SUPPORT RESOURCES
The Small Business Wildfire Relief Fund has been set up by the Province to offer a one-time $2,500 grant of support to any Small business owners who received a mandatory notice to evacuate due to the fires. Financial assistance provides one-time $2,500 grant to help cover the cost of unanticipated business closures. If you have any questions or need assistance with the program, please contact sbwrp@novascotia.ca
The Province of Nova Scotia will provide $500 to every household that was required to evacuate because of recent fires in HRM and Shelburne County. The Canadian Red Cross will be distributing this one-time financial assistance of $500 per eligible household that had been ordered to leave their primary residence by emergency officials. You can register for financial assistance by calling 1-800-863-6582 (8am-8pm) or visit redcross.ca
RBC Financial relief program will provide assistance for impacted clients, including deferrals on mortgages, credit cards, loans and more. For any questions or concerns, visit their online booking tool and arrange for one of their advisors to call you.
DONATIONS
If you are looking for organizations to make a monetary donation, please consider the following –
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- United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal – supporting Nova Scotians impacted by wildfire
- Canadian Red Cross Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada Fires Appeal – The Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia will match every dollar donated to this fund. This means every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires
- Nova Scotia SPCA – The NSPCA have have expanded their Paws & Support program to provide housing for displaced dogs, cats and critters. You can help provide, food, litter and medical care by making a donation.
- You can support our Nova Scotia Firefighters by participating in their weekly 50/50 draw. You can select a Fire Service Personnel/Organization you want to support, as the money raised will directly help their group. This money may help our firefighters upgrade their level of service with a new piece of equipment or apparatus, or to preserve the history of their local accomplishments.
Family Business Atlantic is a non-profit, membership driven association supporting business growth in Atlantic Canada. Our programs support the fabric of our regional economy – families in business. We are an interactive and engaging organization, composed of family businesses and a pool of trusted advisors. Our signature events provide opportunities to celebrate our successes. One of the many advantages of membership is the opportunity for families to participate in peer groups, where you can meet and share ideas with other like-minded entrepreneurs.