Electricity demand expected to be high in the Maritimes due to extreme cold

Maritimers are getting ready for chilly weather this weekend.

This weekend’s extremely low temperatures are expected to put a strain on the region’s electrical supply.

Maritime Electric on Prince Edward Island has issued a “watch” alert for Saturday, indicating demand is expected to be higher than usual.

Residents are being told they should be prepared to conserve energy, if asked.

The entire island is under a yellow cold warning. The wind chill will make it feel anywhere from -25 to -30 C from Saturday morning until Sunday morning.

The City of Charlottetown says the following comfort centres are ready to open in the event of power outages.

• Jack Blanchard Hall
• Community Baptist Church
• Grace Baptist Church
• Faith Bible Church
• Winsloe Lions Club

Summerside says provincial shelter services will be available at 25 Frank Mellish Dr. all day Saturday and Sunday for anyone in need of a warm, safe place to stay.

Those experiencing homelessness, or those concerned about someone who may need shelter, are encouraged to call the PEI Shelter Support Line at 1-833-220-4722, 211 to connect with services or visit the province’s website.

“The Province of Prince Edward Island is advising all Islanders to take precautions as extreme cold temperatures and wind chills are forecast for this weekend. These conditions may pose an increased risk to health and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations,” reads a provincial release.

The province of Nova Scotia says additional supports are available for people experiencing homelessness Sunday through to Monday.

Yellow cold warnings are currently in effect for northern areas of the province.

A list of service providers who coordinate the emergency response for extreme weather in Nova Scotia can be found online.

Anyone in need of emergency assistance is asked to call 211.

Laura Wright with the Halifax Regional Municipality said crews are monitoring the forecast.

“We might be putting down some salt for any anticipated snow on Sunday and we’re also making sure all our snow-clearing equipment is all set to go,” Wright said.

A list of supports for people experiencing homelessness in New Brunswick can be found online. The provincial government said it has 19 emergency shelters and warming centres that offer a total of 600 beds.

“We know how dangerous these conditions can be for people facing the elements,” said Social Development Minister Cindy Miles in a news release. “We want to assure New Brunswickers that there are spaces open for anyone needing warmth and rest. As we work to respond to the varying needs of communities across our province, I want to thank our partners who are committed to making sure help is there when it’s needed most.”

There are shelters in Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, Bathurst, Edmundston and St. Stephen.

Dress warmly

Experts are warning people to dress appropriately if they head outside this weekend.

“The biggest concern when we see big drops in temperature is things like frostbite and hypothermia,” said Dr. Ryan Sommers, a Public Health physician in Truro, N.S. “We want to make sure people, when they’re going outside, they’re dressed appropriately, they have a number of layers on.”

People should also make sure their pets are safe when the cold weather sets in.

“Really cold temperatures are a danger to pets,” said Kevin Strooband, chief inspector with the SPCA in Dartmouth. “People need to be aware that they need to keep their pets inside when it’s really cold or outside for very short periods.”

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Hafsa Arif and Vanessa Wright