Home & Personal Safety
Having a Safe Home
The term “house” refers to the building or space which is designed for individuals to live in.
The term “home” refers to those living in the house. To further illustrate, the house is where you live, but home is the feeling of living in the house.
Hygiene and Pests
In Nova Scotia, there are a variety of common household pests that can either result from unhygienic spaces or create unhygienic spaces. It is important to keep your spaces clean as a prevention strategy to deter pests. Remove piles of potential nesting materials (for example clothing on floor), keep food in airtight containers, do not leave open food in your cabinets/counters, ensure you are not leaving doors open.
In the warmer months, leaving open food packages can cause ants, bugs, and other insects coming into your kitchen space. Sometimes open food packages can even attract mice or rats. Mice are very common in rural areas, especially those near fields, with field mice often trying to get into homes during the colder months. Mice are also a concern in the city, especially in older buildings. You should notify the property owner if you notice bite marks on food or food packages, and/or droppings. You may have mice or rats.
Another consideration regarding pests is bed bugs. Bed bugs can be extraordinarily challenging to get rid of and are one of the few pests where tenants can be held financially responsible for their removal after introduction. Prevent getting bed bugs by being cautious of where you are buying used furniture and clothing, checking and cleaning items before bringing them into the space, and not purchasing mattresses second hand.
Fire safety
Fire Departments in Nova Scotia are largely volunteer run, and response times will vary depending on your region and distance from the Fire Hall. Being aware of fire safety is of utmost importance in any house.
You should know where the closest extinguisher is, if it’s in the hall or the unit, and how to use it. If you see the fire extinguisher is expired you should contact your property owner to replace it. Ensure you have a planned emergency escape route and back up an escape route for if the primary emergency route is not passable. When you move into your space, read How to make a home home fire escape plan to help you create your escape plan.
Your property owner should ensure the smoke alarms are properly installed and it will be your responsibility to test the alarms monthly to ensure they are still operational. If you have a fuel burning appliance, or wood stove, you should also have a carbon monoxide alarm in the space.
Before using heating appliances (heaters/woodstoves) check to ensure there is nothing flammable (blankets). You should never leave candles burning unattended and never leave the oven or cooking unattended.
Ensure proper usage of the microwave, never cook with metal (tin foil, metal spoons, etc) inside a microwave as it is a serious fire hazard.
For more fire safety tips for your home you can visit the Home Safety webpage on the Canadian Government Website.
Personal Safety
Emergency Contact List
When you move to a new community, it is always beneficial to put together an emergency contact list. This list should include emergency and non-emergency contacts for the emergency services, including your local Fire Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and/or Town Police, Medical Services.
Home Security
Nova Scotia is fairly safe, and while it is common for people to leave their homes unlocked while they go out, it is recommended that you secure your windows and doors before bed, and when leaving for the day. Securing entrances and exits helps ensure your safety.
Some individuals will choose to purchase personal safes for important documents (like passports), and others will have an important documents drawer or location. Ensure you know where all your important documents are in your home.
If you plan to leave for an extended vacation, it is good to put lights on a timer, tell the property owner and/or a close friend when you expect to be back, the time which the lights will go on/off, and any other safety details.
Staying Safe at Night
Many rural and urban areas in Nova Scotia are not well lit.
If you are planning to travel on foot at night, ensure you have high visibility clothing, a flashlight, and let someone know when you are leaving and your estimated time of arrival. Consider a cab or other means of getting home in the winter, as temperatures drop significantly in the winter evenings.
If you are traveling by car, it can be more challenging to see the risks at night. Ensure you are driving at a safe speed, so that if wildlife, or pedestrian, comes onto the road, you will have time to avoid them. You should also ensure your headlights and high beams are working properly prior to driving at night.
Emergency Preparedness
In Nova Scotia, there are a variety of environmental factors which you will need to be prepared for in case of an emergency. During the winter months, Nova Scotia gets bouts of extreme cold, wind, and ice. Common environmental risks are hurricanes, severe storms, storm surges, floods, and power outages. Depending on your proximity to the ocean, storm surges may be a consideration you should have, and during a storm you should stay away from the oceanfront.
Learn more about how to prepare yourself:
- Nova Scotia Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
- Nova Scotia Emergency Information from the Government of Canada
