Department of Natural Resources and Parks Canada officials are taking no chances despite expectations Hurricane Fiona will be downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it makes landfall in Nova Scotia,
As Hurricane Fiona bares down on Nova Scotia officials with Parks Canada have decided to temporarily close Kejimkujik Park effective at noon Friday, September 23.
Anyone camping or visiting the site is being asked to leave and no one will be permitted to enter after that time.
The measures include the entire park and historic site as well as Kejimkujik Seaside in Port Joli.
Guests with bookings between Sep 23- 26 will be contacted, their reservations cancelled, and fees fully refunded.
To ensure the safety of all visitors Parks Canada officials say the closure will remain in place until conditions are safe.
The public will be updated on park conditions again on Tuesday, September 27 at noon.
Later Thursday morning the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources followed suit and announced all provincial parks would be closing Friday at noon as well.
Parks will be reopened once officials have assessed any damage and addressed safety concerns.
As of Thursday morning, Environment Canada predicts Hurricane Fiona will transform into a post tropical storm bringing very heavy rain and strong to severe wind gusts beginning Friday afternoon with the heaviest rain and wind peaking overnight into Saturday.
They are advising the public the storm has the potential to produce severe and damaging wind gusts, very high waves and coastal storm surge, and intense rainfall.
Officials from the province’s Emergency Management Office are urging all Nova Scotians to monitor local weather forecasts and be ready for the storm's arrival by ensuring they have enough food and water for 72 hours and preparing their storm kits.
The basic checklist includes:
-- having enough food and water for 72 hours
-- monitoring local media outlets for updates
-- securing gates, doors and windows
-- moving yard furniture and securing trash cans, hanging plants and anything that can be picked up by wind
-- checking radio batteries
-- filling vehicles with gas and parking them away from trees
-- keeping pets inside
-- moving any type of watercraft to high ground
-- ensuring personal and family safety
-- checking on neighbours
-- not leaving candles unattended.
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