Winter in HRM can throw a lot at all of us. You don’t have to make things perfect—just a few small steps help our drivers deliver safely and keep your home warm. If something on this list is hard to do, do what you can and we’ll work with you.
The most helpful with least effort
- Turn on an outside light
A porch or driveway light makes your address and fill location easier to spot in snow or early dusk. - Make the fill easy to find
If your tank or indoor fill access is prone to snow drifting, brush off the fill and vent caps. - A narrow path is plenty
A shovel-wide path (not much wider than a snow shovel) from driveway to the fill is a big help. It doesn’t need to be perfect; we’ll take it from there. - A little traction goes a long way
A scoop of sand or traction grit on the slick spots near steps or the fill area keeps everyone steady. - House number visible, pets inside
Wipe snow from your civic number and keep pets indoors or behind a latched gate during the visit.
If you can do a bit more (totally optional)
- Move a vehicle to give the truck a straighter approach, if it’s easy.
- Knock down small icicles above the pathway/steps.
- Clear around low wall vents (furnace/boiler or HRV/ERV) so appliances can breathe.
Safety Comes first for you and for Scotia Fuels
When winter weather hits hard—heavy snow, ice, unplowed streets, blocked driveways, or high banks—we may not be able to deliver safely and will pull our trucks off the road if needed. We always make our best effort, and if your home is unreachable due to conditions like an icy or unplowed driveway, we’ll attempt to contact you about delays. If you’re unsure about access to your property, give us a call. Our dispatch team will help find the best delivery window.
Need a hand?
If shovelling is difficult, consider asking a neighbour, a local snow service, or a family member to make that simple shovel-wide path and a sprinkle of sand. Please don’t overexert yourself—your well-being matters more than anything on this list.
Make winter easier with Automatic Delivery
Skip the tank checks and last-minute calls. With Automatic Delivery, we plan your fills using local weather and your past usage, helping you avoid run-outs and urgent visits. You can also ask about Budget Billing to spread winter costs evenly.
Questions or to schedule a delivery: Call 902-453-2411 or contact us online.
Serving Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, and surrounding communities since 1959.