Follow the safest matching path
Downed wire or tree touching a power line
Nova Scotia Power says to treat downed wires as live and dangerous, move at least 20 metres away and call 9-1-1. Keep people and pets away. Do not touch the tree, vehicle, fence or other object that may be energized.
Blocked road, sidewalk or public tree
Stay out of the hazard area and report the municipal issue to HRM 311. Do not remove or alter a public tree yourself. If there is immediate danger to people or traffic, call emergency services first.
Private-property storm damage without immediate danger
Keep people and pets away, avoid climbing or cutting and photograph the situation only from a safe distance. Check for hidden wires, unstable limbs and damaged structures before arranging a site visit.
Prepare for a tree-care visit →Once the immediate danger is handled
- Ask who owns the tree and the affected land before authorizing work.
- Tell any provider about wires, structures, access limits, storm damage and anything already contacted.
- Request a written scope for removal, pruning, cleanup, wood handling and stump work.
- Confirm what is safe to leave in place while you wait and who is responsible for the next step.
For utility and public/private questions, continue with the rules and permissions guide.
Non-emergency follow-up
When it is safe to plan, tell us what happened.
This enquiry is reviewed for planning context. It is not monitored as an emergency line and does not guarantee a response time.
Send a non-emergency enquiryEmergency guidance reviewed against Nova Scotia Power safety and vegetation-management information and Halifax municipal service guidance on September 18, 2026. Call the appropriate emergency or utility service directly when there is immediate danger.
Last reviewed: September 18, 2026. This is general information, not a property-specific legal, arboricultural or emergency assessment.