During disasters and emergencies, the standard for residents to be prepared is at least 72 hours. However, there may be times or unique circumstances that the decision is made to open a comfort centre(s) to assist the public during this 72 hour window and after; an example being a long power outages with extreme temperatures.

What is a Comfort Centre?

A comfort centre is a community, church, or fire station hall that is opened in a time of need to provide a location where community members can gather for a short period of time during the day.

In Nova Scotia, neighbours help neighbours. When the need arises, these centres are opened by the operators of the facility. Community members take the lead in organizing and operating the comfort centre.

Comfort centres may provide different services depending on the resources available. However, all comfort centres are intended to provide a place to:

• Warm up or cool down
• Recharge electronic devices
• Use accessible washrooms
• Get a warm or cool drink
• Check on each other and share information
• Receive updates on weather and power restoration
• Refrigerate medical supplies

Some centres may provide:

• Light snacks and/or food prepared by volunteers
• A space for community members to prepare their own food with basic kitchen amenities

NOTE: A comfort centre is NOT an overnight shelter.

When Are Comfort Centres Opened?

Comfort centres are opened when there is a need in the community such as a warming/cooling center or for
assistance during an emergency or disaster.

Examples of when they might open include:

• Power outages lasting for an extended period, affecting access to heat, cooling, light, or communications.
• Severe weather events such as hurricanes, snow storms, or flooding that disrupt daily life or access to essential services.
• Road closures or isolation due to storm damage or other incidents that make travel difficult.
• Community support during times of need, including a place to check in, receive help, or referrals.

The decision to open a comfort centre may be made by local volunteers who operate the facility, or by the municipality, depending on the circumstances.

Each comfort centre may have varied times when they will be open and closed to the public.

How will I know if a Comfort Centre is Open?

When a comfort centre is opened, notifications will be shared though multiple channels including:

• Annapolis REMO - Facebook, X (formally Twitter), REMO Website, Alertable Emergency Alerts, and through email subscription.
• Municipal Partners - County of Annapolis, Town of
• Middleton, Town of Annapolis Royal and community partner websites and social media.
• Nova Scotia 211 - for location and status information
• Local Radio Stations - for up-to-date broadcast announcements
• On-Site Signage - activated comfort centres will display an open sign at their location

During an emergency, comfort centres advise Annapolis REMO of their opening and closing times, as well as other relevant details, so accurate information can be shared with the public

Sheltering in Place

Depending on the nature of the emergency (such as severe weather, chemical spill, or air quality concerns) you may be told to shelter in place.

Sheltering in place means finding the safest, indoor area near you and putting as much distance and as many barriers between you and the threat as possible. Sheltering in place could occur at home, school, work, or elsewhere.

A shelter in place plan should be specific to your household’s needs. Sheltering in place could last for a few hours or a few days depending on the nature of the emergency.

Planning ahead helps ensure you and your family can safe and comfortable during emergencies.

Reception Centres & Emergency Shelters

In large-scale emergencies, where there is a need to evacuate a community, a decision to open an emergency shelter and/or reception centre is made by Annapolis REMO in consultation with emergency responders and partners like the Canadian Red Cross.

In a community evacuation situation, residents can access a reception centre for immediate refuge and to assess their situation and make temporary plans. Provincial services might be deployed on-site to register and account for persons, assess immediate needs, and offer some basic services. Generally, the centre is not open overnight and does not provide sleeping accommodations.

When residents are displaced from their homes for an extended period of time and no other resource of temporary housing can be confirmed, an emergency shelter may be established. An emergency shelter operates 24/7 and serves as a temporary home for evacuees. More amenities and services are provided to residents using the facility, such as showers, feeding, and services for those with access and functional needs.

When a reception centre or emergency shelter open, Annapolis REMO and emergency responders will share the location and important information with the public through websites, social media, Alertable, local radio, and other trusted sources.